BEECH CREEK — A 16-year-old Bellefonte-area resident was airlifted to a regional trauma center following a crash involving a horse-drawn buggy and a pickup truck late Sunday night in Beech Creek Borough, according to Pennsylvania State Police at Lamar.

The crash occurred at approximately 11:04 p.m. on June 7 near the 160 block of Main Street. Police said a 2003 Chevrolet S10 operated by Kaleb C. Matis, 21, of Howard, was traveling westbound when it struck a horse-drawn buggy from behind.

The 16-year-old buggy operator was ejected from the buggy and flown to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville with suspected serious injuries.

A passenger in the buggy, Sadie Fisher, 18, of Beech Creek, was also ejected during the collision. She was transported to UPMC Williamsport with suspected minor injuries.

Police reported that the horse suffered irreversible injuries as a result of the crash and was euthanized at the scene.

Matis was not injured. State police said he was taken into custody on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and was later released pending the results of blood testing.

The incident remains under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police at Lamar.

Source: PSP Lamar