Drivers injured in Howard-area crash

State police are looking for the driver of a car who may have witnessed a two-vehicle crash on state Route 26 near the Howard Borough/Howard Township line about 9:36 p.m. Thursday.

The drivers of both cars were injured in the crash, and were taken to Mount Nittany Hospital for treatment.

State police at Rockview said the crash happened after Sarah Gardner, 20, of Bellefonte passed a Ford Escort illegally as both vehicles were southbound on Route 26. Gardner brought her 2006 Chevrolet Aveo partially back into the right lane, then attempted to pass a 2002 Suzuki Vitara, which was also southbound and was slowing to turn into a private driveway.

Gardner's vehicle struck the left rear corner of the Vitara, then crossed the highway, struck some trees and rolled onto its roof. The Vitara, driven by Jalynn Woleslagle, 30, of Howard, came to rest on the right berm.

Police described Gardner's injuries as major, and Woleslagle's injuries as moderate. Woleslagle was wearing her seat belt at the time of the crash; it is unknown, state police said, whether Gardner was wearing her seat belt.

Police are investigating whether Gardner has been drinking. No alcohol use by Woleslagle is suspected, police said.

Police are also asking that the driver of the car that Gardner may have passed just before the crash call state police at Rockview at 355-7445.

Howard Fire Company assisted at the scene.