Bonneauville, PA — January 28, 2025, One person was injured following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 10:30 A.M. on Route 116.
An investigation is underway into an 18-wheeler accident that left one person injured during the morning hours of January 28th. According to official reports, a tanker semi-truck hauling horse feed was travelling on route 116 near West Hanover St. when for unknown reasons the vehicle lost control and overturned.
When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the driver had sustained serious injuries and they were transported to the hospital for treatment. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the status of the driver’s injuries and their identity, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope investigators can provide clear answers for the person involved and their loved ones. An 18-wheeler overturning is always a serious event, especially when carrying a heavy load like a tanker hauling horse feed. While initial reports confirm what happened, they don’t necessarily explain why it happened. To truly understand the cause of the crash, three critical questions must be asked.
First, have authorities thoroughly investigated the crash? Law enforcement will typically document the scene, assess road conditions, and consider possible contributing factors such as weather, traffic flow, and visibility. However, deeper analysis is often necessary. Did the roadway have any hazards—such as sharp curves, uneven pavement, or debris—that may have contributed to the loss of control? Was the driver forced to take evasive action due to another vehicle’s movements? A full accident reconstruction could help determine whether external factors played a role.
Second, has anyone looked into the possibility of a vehicle defect? Large commercial trucks require constant maintenance, and mechanical failures—such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or tire blowouts—can lead to a loss of control. Additionally, improper cargo loading or a shifting load can destabilize a truck, increasing the risk of a rollover. If any of these factors contributed to the crash, it’s critical that investigators examine the truck before it is removed from the scene or repaired, as key evidence could be lost.
Third, has all electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Most commercial trucks are equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and electronic control modules (ECMs), which record valuable information such as speed, braking efforts, and steering input before the crash. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby highway cameras or dashcams may have captured the incident, providing further insight into what happened. If this evidence isn’t secured quickly, it may be lost, making it harder to determine exactly what led to the crash.
At the end of the day, the driver and their family deserve clear answers. If the official investigation leaves any gaps, independent experts may be needed to ensure that every possible factor is considered. Whether the cause was environmental, mechanical, or something else entirely, the community owes it to those affected to make sure all available evidence is carefully examined.
