Lawrence Co. crash involving a bus injures three

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — Three people were injured in a three-vehicle accident this afternoon at U.S. Route 224 and Winter Road in Union Township.

The Pennsylvania State Police at New Castle said Toni Conti, 55, of Warner Alley, New Castle, was driving her car westbound on Route 224 shortly after 1 p.m. when she attempted to make a left turn onto Winter Road. She failed to yield the right of way for an eastbound New Castle Transit Authority bus driven by Rhonda L. Soltis, 47, of East Wallace Avenue, New Castle.

State police said Soltis attempted to swerve the bus to avoid the car, but she struck it. The bus continued and struck a pickup truck driven by Jeffery S. Smith, 44, of Ellwood Road, New Castle, which was stopped for a red light on Winter.

An 11-year-old in Conti’s car suffered moderate injuries, state police said, and was taken to Jameson Memorial Hospital. Soltis suffered minor injuries and also was taken to Jameson.

Smith, whose truck sustained major damage, was flown to United Presbyterian Medical Center in Pittsburgh. Their conditions were not known at press time.

Conti was cited for making an improper turn, state police said.