Pottstown girls killed in one car crash ~ Automotive Cars

UPPER POTTSGROVE — Two ninth-grade students from Pottstown High School were killed and several others were injured in a one-vehicle crash along Route 100, north of Farmington Avenue near Moyer Road, late Saturday night. Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman and Upper Pottsgrove Police said that they are investigating the crash, which occurred around 11:49 p.m. A red Dodge Durango was traveling north and went off the road, striking the guardrail before flipping onto its roof and sliding down the guardrail. The two victims who were killed were in the rear seat and were ejected from the vehicle. Ferman said her office was not prepared to release any information about the occupants; however, Facebook tribute sites were made by classmates, identifying the two girls who died in the accident. Their names are Andrea Antonio-Harris and Breanne Marie Brothers. Both were ninth-grade students at Pottstown High School and in the same homeroom, according to the Facebook page.

Police would not verify the number of occupants in the vehicle, or who was driving the Durango at the time of the accident. Two of the other passengers were airlifted to a trauma center in the Lehigh Valley, while another occupant was rushed to Reading Hospital. The extent of their injuries were unknown as of presstime. Initial reports stated that there were students from the Pottsgrove School District in the vehicle. Mike Neiffer, Pottsgrove school board president, said he had not received any confirmation from the superintendent's office. "We've heard rumors but I have not received anything official, as of yet," Neiffer said. "We just went through this a few weeks ago and I can only imagine what the Pottstown School District administrators and students will be heading into tomorrow." Ferman said the accident is currently under investigation, and would not elaborate on any details. "The matter is still under investigation so we can determine a cause," Ferman said. "It doesn't serve any purpose to speculate what might have happened."

In regard to recent tragedies involving teenagers and motor vehicles, Ferman said this is a serious issue. "One of the things that we know in law enforcement is that when you put 15-year-olds in cars, terrible things can happen," she said. "We need to continue to stay on top of our young drivers, remind them of the tragic consequences and whether it is alcohol, drugs or carelessness. When teenagers crash, others may die." Ferman said her office has produced a video documentary regarding teenage driving safety. "We highlighted a case from Montgomery County about how a group of teenagers were involved in a tragic accident," she said. "Those of us in law enforcement have seen these tragic consequences. These are things that are difficult for families to deal with. Something they need to be aware of. It doesn't mean they (teenagers) should be driving at night or with a bunch of kids in the car. There are too many things that can happen. "I don't know these children or their families, but my heart goes out to them. When I hear of these accidents, it is like a punch in the gut. This is a very serious issue and we are losing our kids," Ferman said. John Armato, director of community relations for the Pottstown School District, said his district has been preparing to deal with students and staff about the tragedy. "Any time there is an accident where there is a loss of life, it is a tragedy," Armato said. "When young people are taken from us before they have the opportunity to experience life, it makes it sadder. We are extending our thoughts to the families involved. We certainly ask everyone involved to respect their privacy.

"We've used our automated phone service to notify our high school staff to notify everyone what we know so far. We will be meeting with our staff first thing (Monday) morning so they can address our students. Our high school guidance department here and within the district will be available to meet with students and staff who would like to discuss this incident. We will be preparing information to go out to our entire district staff, as well as providing information of other community guidance services that are available," Armato said. Armato said that high school Principal Stephen Rodriguez will address the student body today. "He will make them aware of the events that occurred, as well as the services that are made available to them," he said. Armato also stated that his district has been aware of other recent tragic accidents involving teenagers and driving.

involving teenagers and driving. Pottstown girls killed in one car crash

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"Certainly, things that happen in one district aren't just isolated to that district," Armato said. "It heightened everyone here to the frailty of life, and how tragically things can change in an instant. That part, on a daily basis, is something that we all need to be aware of. "All of our lives, regarding whether we are youngsters or senior citizens, are very fragile and can be changed instantly and tragically. We always have to be aware and cognizant of things. Whether it prevents things from happening, but we hope it helps us in our judgment. By Dennis J. Wright, dwright@pottsmerc.com