Moscow, PA (March 20, 2026) – New charges have been filed following a deadly wrong-way collision that claimed at least one life on Interstate 380 near Moscow on Friday night. Authorities allege the wrong-way driver was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol at the time of the fatal crash.
The devastating incident occurred during the nighttime hours on I-380. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, a vehicle was traveling in the wrong direction on the interstate when it collided with another car. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to render aid, but the violent impact resulted in fatal injuries. The identity of the deceased victim has not been released pending official notification of family members.
Following an initial investigation, officials identified Mark Castillo of Throop as the wrong-way driver. Castillo is now facing serious criminal charges, including driving while intoxicated, in connection with the deadly accident. The interstate was restricted for several hours as accident reconstruction teams processed the complex crash scene and crews worked to clear the heavily damaged vehicles.
Law enforcement officials are continuing their investigation into the exact circumstances leading up to the crash, including where Castillo allegedly entered the highway traveling in the wrong direction. Authorities are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or the wrong-way vehicle prior to the collision to come forward with information.
Liability in Pennsylvania Wrong-Way and DUI Crashes
When a fatal collision is caused by an impaired wrong-way driver, the legal and financial ramifications are incredibly complex. Under Pennsylvania’s Modified Comparative Negligence rules, injured victims and surviving families can recover compensation as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. In cases involving severe intoxication and wrong-way driving on a major interstate, liability often falls squarely on the impaired driver. Furthermore, Pennsylvania law allows for Wrongful Death and Survival Actions, which permit grieving families to seek compensation for funeral expenses, medical bills incurred before death, loss of future earnings, and loss of companionship.
Because these cases often involve criminal charges alongside civil claims, preserving evidence is a time-sensitive priority. Blood alcohol content (BAC) reports, police accident reconstruction data, and witness statements play a vital role in establishing negligence. Navigating the intersection of criminal DUI proceedings and civil wrongful death claims requires strategic legal guidance. Working with a dedicated Pennsylvania car accident lawyer can help grieving families protect their rights, uncover all available insurance coverage, and pursue the justice they deserve before the state’s two-year statute of limitations expires.
Losing a loved one in a preventable tragedy is an unimaginable hardship. If you or someone you know has been impacted by a fatal wrong-way crash in Lackawanna County or anywhere across northern Pennsylvania, Stanley Law Offices is available for a free, confidential case review. Contact us at 888-997-3889 to discuss your legal options. We are here to help during this difficult time.
