Injuries minor in Route 8 accident

NEW MANCHESTER - The Hancock County Sheriff's Department confirmed Thursday that two people injured in an accident on state Route 8 Wednesday are recovering with minor injuries.

"The woman (Charlene Spencer) is supposed to be released from the hospital today," Hancock County Sheriff Mike White said. "The injuries were all minor."

The two-vehicle accident involving three people occurred just before 3 p.m. at the intersection of Pittinger Road, not far from the entrance to Tomlinson Run State Park.

Eric Spencer of New Cumberland and passenger Charlene, also of New Cumberland, were traveling south on state Route 8. As Eric prepared to turn onto another road, Thomas Pease of East Liverpool rear-ended the van, causing it to veer off the roadway and overturn.

The van landed on its side, trapping Charlene inside. A crew from the New Manchester Volunteer Fire Department used the Jaws of Life to extract her from the vehicle. She was then transported by helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital. Eric was transported to East Liverpool City Hospital.

It is unknown whether Pease was injured in the accident, but he was not transported for medical treatment.

In addition to the New Manchester VFD, deputies from the sheriff's department and crews from New Cumberland Ambulance and Tri-County Ambulance were on the scene.

White stated that the sheriff's department is still investigating the accident, but indicated that no charges had been filed as of Thursday afternoon.