CHERRY RIDGE TOWNSHIP, PA—Wayne County was rocked by tragedy over the weekend as a fatal three-vehicle accident claimed the lives of two young adults on Saturday night. The incident occurred at approximately 8:43 p.m. on State Route 191, near the intersection of Wanoka Road and Lake Ariel Highway.
The Wayne County Coroner, Edward R. Howell, confirmed on Sunday that the victims of the crash were 22-year-old William A. McBurney of Canaan Township and 21-year-old Kylee M. Pendell of Hawley. According to the coroner’s report, McBurney and Pendell were in separate vehicles when they collided under circumstances that remain under investigation.
The collision, which occurred on a relatively quiet stretch of road, has left the community in shock and mourning. Early reports suggest that neither McBurney nor Pendell was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, a factor that may have contributed to the severity of their injuries. However, officials have not yet released further details on the specific causes or contributing factors of the accident.
The crash site, located near the intersection of Wanoka Road and Lake Ariel Highway, quickly became a scene of emergency response activity. Authorities shut down Hoadleys Road, and traffic on Lake Ariel Highway was significantly impacted as police conducted their investigation. Motorists faced considerable delays as they navigated around the blocked-off area, and residents reported a heavy police presence throughout the evening.
Man in his 20s killed in single-vehicle crash in Ballyheigue, Co Kerry
Local law enforcement agencies, including the Pennsylvania State Police, are working diligently to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the fatal collision. As part of the investigation, police are likely to examine factors such as vehicle speed, road conditions, and possible driver impairment or distraction.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the potentially devastating consequences of not wearing a seatbelt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seatbelts are one of the most effective tools for reducing the risk of death and serious injury in a crash. In 2020 alone, seatbelts saved an estimated 14,955 lives in the United States, according to NHTSA data. The Wayne County Coroner’s Office is expected to release further information as the investigation progresses, and autopsies may provide additional insight into the causes of death for both victims.
New Orleans Crash: 2 Adult Males Dead After Car Veers Off I-10 and Hits Tree
The loss of two young lives has sent ripples through the small communities of Canaan Township and Hawley, where both McBurney and Pendell were well-known and cherished by friends and family. Tributes and condolences have begun to pour in on social media, with many expressing shock and heartbreak over the sudden and tragic loss.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating accident, local authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution on the roads, particularly as summer travel peaks. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has consistently emphasized the importance of safe driving practices, including the use of seatbelts, adherence to speed limits, and avoiding distractions such as cell phones while driving.
In the coming days, as more details emerge about the circumstances surrounding the crash, the community will likely come together to support the grieving families of William McBurney and Kylee Pendell. In the meantime, the investigation continues, with officials determined to uncover the truth behind this heartbreaking incident.
Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania State Police, who are leading the investigation. As the community waits for answers, the focus remains on preventing future tragedies on the roads of Wayne County.