A Sunday night crash in southern Northumberland County left two children dead and several others hurt when a car struck a horse-drawn buggy traveling along Route 225. The collision happened in Jackson Township on September 28, 2025, and remains under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police.
What Happened?
Police said the buggy, carrying six people, was heading south on Route 225 near Dornsife when it was hit from behind by a vehicle driven by John M. Koperna, 39, of Pottsville. The impact scattered debris across the roadway and threw all six passengers from the buggy.
A 9-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene, while his 7-year-old sister died later at Geisinger Medical Center. Their parents, Ervan Zook, 34, and Leah Zook, 29, suffered serious injuries and were hospitalized along with their 3-year-old son. Another of their young sons was treated for minor injuries. The horse pulling the buggy also died from the crash.
Koperna told officers he thought he had fallen asleep before the collision. He was also taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. An autopsy for the 7-year-old victim was scheduled at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest in Allentown.
Could the Driver Be Held Responsible?
Pennsylvania motorists have a duty to stay alert and maintain control of their vehicles at all times. When a driver falls asleep behind the wheel and causes injury or death, that conduct may constitute negligence under state law. In this case, investigators will examine whether Koperna’s fatigue directly caused the collision and whether he should have recognized he was too drowsy to drive safely.
Troopers will also review visibility conditions on Route 225 that night and whether the buggy was properly marked. Pennsylvania law requires horse-drawn vehicles to display reflective triangles and lights after dark so approaching drivers can see them in time to slow down or stop. If the buggy lacked required markings or was difficult to see, that detail could influence how liability is assigned.
Investigators will reconstruct the crash by studying skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage to determine speed and timing. Witness statements and weather conditions will help clarify what visibility was like in the moments before impact.
If evidence shows the driver failed to stay awake or failed to recognize the buggy ahead, the injured passengers and the families of the deceased children may have grounds to pursue civil claims for their losses.
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Why Are Buggy Crashes So Deadly?
Collisions between cars and horse-drawn buggies are uniquely devastating. Unlike enclosed vehicles, buggies offer virtually no protection to their passengers. A single impact can eject everyone inside, destroy the buggy entirely, and kill the animal pulling it. These crashes are especially common on narrow rural roads at night, where darkness, curves, and limited sight lines give drivers little time to react.
For families in central Pennsylvania’s Amish and Mennonite communities, buggies aren’t recreational—they’re essential transportation. That makes road-sharing a daily reality and places a legal responsibility on motorists to drive with heightened awareness in areas where buggies are common. Slowing down, staying alert, and watching for low-lit vehicles can prevent tragedies like this one.
What Makes These Cases So Complex?
Crashes involving horse-drawn buggies often involve overlapping legal issues, including driver negligence, vehicle visibility requirements, and wrongful death claims. Investigators must establish not only what happened but also whether the driver’s actions fell below the standard of care expected on Pennsylvania roads.
Because these cases frequently involve catastrophic injuries and multiple victims, families often require legal assistance to navigate insurance disputes and ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Silva Injury Law Is Ready to Help
Crashes involving horse-drawn buggies and motor vehicles can leave families facing tremendous loss and long recoveries. When driver inattention or fatigue causes serious injury or death, those affected have the right to seek justice under Pennsylvania law.
If you or someone you care about has been injured or lost a loved one in a horse-and-buggy collision, contact Silva Injury Law for a free consultation.
