MOUNT CARMEL - Three of the five teens injured in Wednesday night's hit-and-run accident near Mount Carmel Area Elementary School involving an alleged drunk driver remained hospitalized Thursday.
Mount Carmel Township Police Chief Brian Hollenbush identified the victims as Tyler Wondoloski, 18, of 802 W. Fifth St., Mount Carmel; Seanna Zimmerman, 13, of 449 E. Seventh St., Mount Carmel; Andrew Campbell, 16, of 411 N. Maple St., Diamondtown; Chelsea Troutman, 14, of 242 S. Peach St., Mount Carmel, and Jarret Schultz, 17, of 236 S. Poplar St., Mount Carmel.
Campbell and Zimmerman were flown by Life Flight helicopter to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. Wondoloski was taken by Kulpmont Ambulance to Geisinger. Troutman and Schultz were
transported by AREA Services Ambulance to Geisinger-Shamokin Area Community Hospital, where they underwent emergency room treatment before being released.
Campbell was listed in serious condition Thursday, while Zimmerman and Wondoloski were reported in fair condition.
All five of the victims are students at Mount Carmel Area Junior-Senior High School.
Victor Edward Swaboski III, 38, of 320 S. Beech St., Mount Carmel, a teacher at Shamokin Area Elementary School, has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, aggravated assault by vehicle while DUI and other offenses in connection with the 8:30 p.m. crash.
Hollenbush said Wondoloski was riding a bicycle east in a grassy area off Beaverdale Highway (Route 2038, also known as Locust Gap Highway) when he was struck by a blue Jeep Liberty driven east on the highway by Swaboski, who had traveled onto the berm of the road. Hollenbush said Wondoloski and the Jeep Liberty then crashed into Zimmerman, who was walking.
Swaboski's Jeep, Wondoloski and Zimmerman then reportedly struck Campbell, who was either riding his bike or walking along side the bicycle.
The chief said he wasn't sure at this point if Troutman and Schultz, who were walking with their friends, were struck by the Jeep or by the other victims and debris.
The crash remains under investigation.
"It's a very tragic accident that further brings to light the dangers of driving under the influence," Mount Carmel Area Acting Superintendent Bernie Stellar said Thursday. "We plan on helping the students and their families in every possible way so they can recover from their injuries, return to school and get back to their normal routines as soon as possible."