Schuylkill County, PA (April 23, 2026) – A 49-year-old Schuylkill County man was killed when his disabled vehicle was struck head-on in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 78 late Wednesday night, Pennsylvania State Police report.
According to Pennsylvania State Police, the fatal collision occurred just after 11 p.m. in Bethel Township, Berks County. Investigators say the incident is a secondary crash, in which a second vehicle struck an already-disabled vehicle that had come to rest in the left lane facing the wrong direction. Both drivers became entrapped and required extrication by emergency crews. The Schuylkill County man was transported to Reading Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His identity has not been released pending notification of next of kin.
The driver of the striking vehicle sustained injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. Emergency personnel responded to the scene, and the crash prompted a law enforcement investigation into both the initial vehicle breakdown and the subsequent fatal collision. The eastbound lanes were impacted as crews worked the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Secondary Crash Liability and Fatal Car Accident Claims in Pennsylvania
Secondary crashes — collisions that occur at or near an already-disabled vehicle — raise complex liability questions under Pennsylvania law. Depending on the facts, responsibility may fall on the driver of the disabled vehicle, the driver of the striking vehicle, or both. Pennsylvania follows a Modified Comparative Negligence standard, meaning an injured party or their family may still recover compensation as long as they are found to be 50 percent or less at fault for the accident. If fault exceeds that threshold, recovery is barred entirely.
For families who have lost a loved one in a fatal crash on I-78, Pennsylvania law allows them to pursue both a Wrongful Death claim and a Survival Action. These legal avenues can provide compensation for funeral and burial expenses, lost future earnings, and the loss of companionship and support the deceased would have provided. Critically, Pennsylvania’s statute of limitations for wrongful death and personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident, making it important for families to act promptly. Evidence such as surveillance footage, crash reconstruction data, and witness statements must be secured quickly before it is lost. Because crashes involving stopped or disabled vehicles on high-speed highways often involve multiple parties, working with an experienced Pennsylvania wrongful death attorney can help families identify all avenues of recovery and protect their legal rights during an already difficult time.
Stanley Law Offices extends its thoughts to everyone affected by this Interstate 78 crash in Bethel Township or a similar traffic accident anywhere in Berks County or northern Pennsylvania. If you or a loved one was injured or killed, our attorneys are ready to help you understand your options at no upfront cost.
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