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Three people were killed in a head-on crash on Interstate 81, Butler Township, Friday morning. Photo: Facebook – Hazle Township Fire/Rescue Station 10

BUTLER TWP. — Three people were killed in a head-on crash in the southbound lanes of Interstate 81 in Butler Township Friday morning.

State police at Hazleton said Daniel George Sleva, 24, of Mahanoy City, driving a 2002 Pontiac Grand Am, was traveling north in the southbound lane of the highway and collided with a 2013 Dodge Dart, driven by Peter M. Johnson Sr., 59, of Greenville, New York, at about 6:36 a.m.

Sleva was transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital – Hazleton where he was pronounced dead.

Johnson Sr. suffered moderate injuries and was transported to Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Plains Township where he was listed in serious condition.

His wife, Debra A. Johnson, 58, and rear passenger, Peter M. Johnson, 24, son, were pronounced dead at the scene by Luzerne County Deputy Coroner Meri Jones.

State police said Sleva was not wearing a seat belt.

Interstate 81 southbound was closed for about four hours. All lanes have since reopened.