8/24/18
by News Department on 08/24/18Fatal crash...
The victim of a fatal crash in New Castle Township, Thursday morning, has been identified.
According to Skook News, State Police at Frackville said the crash occurred around 7:50am on Route 61, as two tri-axle dump trucks were traveling south in the right lane approaching the turnoff to Darkwater Road. A Walmart Tractor Trailer and Jeep were also reported to be travelling behind the two tri-axles. In the left hand lane was a Suzuki motorcycle being operated by 29 year old Rafael Mateo, of Hazleton, traveling at a high rate of speed. Mateo approached slower traffic, passed the Jeep on the left and made a sudden lane change to the right cutting off the Jeep, then attempted to "thread the needle" between the Walmart and tri-axle trucks. Mateo impacted the left corner of the first tri-axle, then tumbled down the center of the two southbound lanes between the Walmart truck and Tri-Axle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mateo was reported to be wearing a helmet but was found not to have a valid driver's license.
The motorcycle was also found to be reported stolen in Virginia. The drivers of the other vehicles involved were not injured.
