Fatal accident in Pennsylvania leaves 5 dead

More charges are planned following a wrong-way car crash on Interstate 81, according to local authorities. Pennsylvania police say that as the deaths continue to mount concerning the fatal accident, more charges will be filed against the driver involved in the crash. It is possible these charges will include DUI-related accusations. In all, five people have died. 

According to the accident report, for reasons unknown, a 28-year-old man entered the southbound lanes of I-81 while heading north on Jan. 23. After narrowly missing some nine other vehicles, he collided with a southbound car, killing three of its four occupants outright and seriously injuring a fourth. That individual later succumbed as well. The passenger in his own vehicle was also killed in the collision. 

Officers on the scene reported the man appeared glassy-eyed and smelled of alcohol. A toxicology report is still in progress and so far no DUI charges have been filed. In all, it appears likely that five homicide charges will be prosecuted. Authorities are awaiting further information prior to filing any further charges. 

The severity of this fatal accident cannot be overstated, particularly if the driver in question was drunk at the time of the crash. Apart from any criminal proceedings, the families of the deceased individuals are within their rights under Pennsylvania law to file wrongful death suits against the driver believed responsible in civil court. Evidence from the criminal proceedings may advance any related claims brought in civil court.

This blog entry was posted on behalf of [nap_names id=”FIRM-NAME-1″], and does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the firm or its attorneys. The information presented in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice.

Source: pressconnects.com, “Fifth person dies after wrong-way interstate crash“, Jan. 31, 2016