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Police Investigating Deadly Wreck That Killed Two

SUGARLOAF TOWNSHIP — Police believe one of the cars involved in a deadly crash Wednesday was on the wrong side of the road and what they found inside the ...
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SUGARLOAF TOWNSHIP -- Police believe one of the cars involved in a deadly crash Wednesday was on the wrong side of the road and what they found inside the vehicle may indicate the driver was drinking.

An 83-year-old driver was one of two people killed in a head-on collision in Luzerne County.

On Thursday, we learned the other driver who also died was on the wrong side of the road. His vehicle had unopened beer cans and he had a history of DUI.

Just before 9 p.m. Wednesday, emergency crews responded to a deadly crash on Mountain Road near Hazleton.

Sugarloaf Township police say it was a nearly head-on collision.

"We are looking at the fact that it looks like one of the vehicles was in the oncoming wrong lane," said Sugarloaf Township Police Chief Joshua Winters.

Chief Winters revisited the place on the road where the car driven by Anna Roman, 83, of Drums was hit by Robert Poltrok, 34, of Drums.

Roman and Poltrok we killed in the wreck.

"I can't confirm that anyone was under the influence at this point. There is a 'tox' screen being done," said the chief.

But police did say there were unopened beer cans in Poltrok's car. Court records show Poltrok completed an ARD program after being charged with drunk driving in 2006.

Frank Radice of Sugarloaf knew Anna Roman and saw her less than an hour before the crash.

"Just out with her friends for dinner as they normally do on Wednesday nights and on her way home," said Radice.

Radice says both drivers dying is a tragedy but finding out what caused the crash could help with closure for friends and family.

"You know, with a situation like this when you have both people who pass away or die in an accident like this, it's unfortunate. You don't know anything until the police records come out, but she will be missed."

Police say it could take a few weeks to get the toxicology report.

Funerals for both crash victims are scheduled for this weekend.

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