Galeton Man Life-Flighted After Rolling Truck Down 15 Foot Embankment

GALETON – A Galeton man was transported via LifeNet 7-7 medicopter after an accident that occurred on the Button Hollow Road approximately 1.3 miles east of Route 144 on Tuesday, August 31 at 4:40 pm.

Herman W. Gilbert, 82, of Galeton, was driving a 1993 Ford F-150 east on Button Hollow Road when he came upon a slow moving excavator traveling in the same direction. Gilbert then drove his vehicle along the edge of the roadway on the eastern shoulder while waiting for an approaching vehicle to pass him and the excavator. Gilbert was unable to maintain control of his truck as it left the travel portion along the eastern part of the roadway and then rolled toward the passenger’s side and descended a 15 foot embankment causing the truck to roll onto it’s roof at the bottom of the embankment.

Gilbert was treated for severe head and neck pain by GaleHose Medics and then transported to a landing zone at the Black Forest Snowmobile Club where he was flown by LifeNet 7-7 medicopter to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, PA.

The truck was towed from the scene by Gaines Garage. Members of the Goodyear Hose Co. of Galeton and Germania Fire Co. assisted police at the scene.

Gilbert will be issued a warning for Careless Driving and Restraint Systems. An investigation continues.