Two die in separate incidents on area roads

            Two separate accidents on local roads over the weekend caused two fatalities. One involved a John Deere lawn tractor.

            A 70-year-old man riding a tractor died after he was struck by a truck in the 1600 block of Gravel Pike in Upper Frederick Township at 1:42 p.m. on Sunday, July 16. The collision occurred when a 2017 gray Ford F150 traveling south struck the tractor, which was in the roadway to compete a turn, according to law enforcement officials.

            Information provided by the Pennsylvania State Police identifies Christopher Bailey, 19, and Michael Shaw 18, as the occupants of the truck. However, it does not identify who was driving.

            The investigation continues, according to authorities.

            One day earlier, a motorcycle rider involved in a four-vehicle collision died. Christopher Garber, 57, of Downingtown was taken by ambulance to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest with serious injuries following the incident in Bally Borough.

            One of the drivers involved in the incident, a 63-year-old Alburtis woman, has been charged with driving under the influence. The woman, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was transferred by ambulance to the same hospital, according to authorities.

            One of the vehicles collided with a house, which collapsed the front porch roof.

            State Police responded to the crash on Main Street, 197 feet south of Barto Road, at 2:50 p.m., July 15. Also assisting at the scene were the Eastern Berks Fire Company, ambulances from Bally, Upper Perkiomen and Gilbertsville and numerous fire police units.

            Route 100 was closed while investigators reconstructed the accident.

            The investigation remains open, according to the state police.