Several state troopers from the Montoursville barracks were working together, investigating the fatal crash. PHILIP HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

FATAL CRASH SHUTS DOWN ROUTE 87 – One person is dead and three others were injured in a violent head-on collision in the 4800 block of Route 87 in Upper Fairfield Township about 6:20 p.m. Saturday, state police confirmed.

The crash shut down the two-lane road from Route 973 to Lower Barbours Road in Plunketts Creek Township. Motorists are advised to take alternate routes as the road was expected to be closed for an extended period of time.

The driver of a Jeep Compass was heading south and while attempting to pass another vehicle, entered the northbound lane, colliding with a car, police said. A passenger in the northbound car died at the scene, police confirmed.

Following the impact, the Jeep Compass traveled another 200 feet, went over an embankment, landing in a front yard.

The other vehicle landed in the center of the road, which was covered with a considerable amount of debris.

An accident reconstructionist, right, and another trooper prepare to launch a drone at crash site. As part of their nvestigation, state troopers now commonly use these devices to capture aerial photos of the scene. PHILIP HOLMES/Sun-Gazette

Both drivers and a passenger in the Jeep were taken by ambulances to UPMC Williamport.

Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr. and a deputy coroner arrived on the scene about 7:50 p.m. A state police reconstructionist arrived minutes earlier.

More details of the crash were expected to be released Sunday.

Lycoming County Coroner Charles E. Kiessling Jr. arriving at fatal crash scene Saturday night on Route 87. PHILIP HOLMES/Sun-Gazette