OIL CREEK TOWNSHIP, Pa. – Corry-based State Police and the Erie County Coroner have released details surrounding a Monday afternoon crash that claimed the life of a prominent Oil City man.
State Police say the crash occurred at 1:56 p.m. on July 27, 2015, as 74-year-old Charles E Breene, of Oil City, was traveling west on Route 27 in Oil Creek Township, Crawford County.
Breene was driving a 2008 Buick Sedan.
Police say for an unknown reason, Breene crossed over into the eastbound lane striking the trailer of a 2016 International Semi Truck driven by 41-year-old Leslie Krauss of Hermitage. The impact happened near the rear axle of the trailer causing major damage to Breene’s vehicle and minor damage to the trailer.
According to police, the impact pushed the trailer into a utility pole, shearing the pole.
Breene was flown to UPMC Hamot in Erie via STAT MedEvac.
According to the Erie County Coroner’s Office, Breene was pronounced dead at 10:13 p.m. at the hospital.
The cause of death is listed as multiple blunt force trauma.
Krauss was not injured in the crash. Both drivers were wearing seat belts.
Breene was a State Chairman for the Republican Party in Venango County.
He was also the President of Brookville Glove Manufacturing in Brookville.
