A fatal crash on Route 100 in Upper Macungie Township, PA claimed the life of 32-year-old Krishan Kumar, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office. Kumar was a passenger in a car that collided with a tractor-trailer near Schaefer Run Road. Authorities have not released further details on how the crash occurred, and an investigation is ongoing.
Whenever I hear about a fatal crash involving a semi-truck, I think about the key factors that need to be examined to understand what led to the collision. In this case, little information is known about the crash.
What Factors Could Have Contributed to the Accident?
At this stage, it’s unclear whether the semi-truck driver’s actions or mechanical factors played a role in the crash. Investigators should determine whether the truck was maneuvering properly within its lane, making a turn, or stopping at the time of the collision. Truck visibility is another critical factor—was the truck properly illuminated and giving proper signals?
Additionally, speed and braking distances should be analyzed. Large commercial trucks require more time and distance to slow down or stop, which can be a crucial factor in collisions at intersections or highway merges.
What Evidence Should Investigators Review?
To piece together what happened, investigators should collect Engine Control Module (ECM) data from the semi-truck, which could reveal speed, braking activity, and steering inputs before the crash. Any dashcam or traffic camera footage may also help identify what the driver’s actions were before the crash.
The truck’s maintenance records should also be reviewed to rule out mechanical failures such as braking or lighting issues. Additionally, witness statements from other drivers could provide valuable context on the moments leading up to the collision. Investigators may also want to consider looking at the semi-truck driver’s phone records to see if distraction was a potential factor.
Why a Full Investigation of the Cause Matters
When crashes involve semi-trucks, determining exactly what happened is crucial for accountability and for those affected to understand the circumstances. In my experience, investigations often uncover factors that aren't immediately obvious, making it essential to explore every possible cause.