As thousands of people descended on the small town of Coudersport to witness the historic Potter County bicentennial parade on Saturday, the festive mood was sombered by a motor vehicle accident. AS two juvenile girls were walking across the main street bridge, a blue four door sedan with several passengers sped through an intersection, jumping the curb, and striking both of the girls. Sources say the driver, 32-year-old Gary Meacham Jr. of Coudersport lost control due to a seizure. One of the girls, an 8 year old girl from Coudersport was seen clutching her foot on the bridge, the other, a 15 year old Coudersport girl, was knocked through a guide rail into the river. The vehicle was propelled off of the bridge as well, rolling down a flood control embankment, coming to rest about 15 yards from the bridge. Emergency personnel, who were within blocks of the accident preparing for the parade poured into the river to assist. Coudersport Boro Cops say that the 15-year-old girl was Life-Flighted to Geisinger, and was listed in critical condition last night.

Coudersport Police, State Police, Coudersport, Roulette, and Shinglehouse Volunteer Fire Departments along with various other emergency personel assisted at the scene.