Krishan Kumar Killed, 2 Injured in Truck Accident in Lehigh County, PA

Update (January 30, 2025): Authorities have identified the man who was killed in this crash as Krishan Kumar, 32.

Lehigh County, PA — January 28, 2025, one person was killed and two others were injured in a truck accident at about 7:30 p.m. at Route 100 and Schaefer Run Road.

Authorities said a car and a semi-truck entered the intersection at the same time, resulting in a crash when the car apparently ran a red light. The car had been heading north on Schaefer Run Road, while the truck was going south on Route 100.

A 32-year-old man who had been a passenger in the car died in the crash, according to authorities. His name has not been made public at this time.

Both drivers, a 31-year-old man in the car and a 39-year-old man in the truck, were hospitalized after the crash with unspecified injuries, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the crash at this point.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a crash occurs at an intersection, the key legal issue is determining which driver had the right of way. The collision in Lehigh County, where a car and a semi-truck entered the intersection at the same time, raises questions about traffic control compliance, visibility, and whether either driver had an opportunity to avoid the crash.

One of the first things investigators should confirm is whether the car actually ran the red light, as initial reports suggest. While authorities often rely on witness statements or preliminary assessments, traffic camera footage, dashcam video and physical evidence — such as skid marks or impact angles — are more reliable ways to determine who had the right of way. If the car did enter the intersection against the light, the driver’s actions will likely be a major focus of the investigation.

However, even if the car ran the light, investigators must still examine whether the truck driver had a reasonable chance to avoid the crash. Semi-trucks take longer to stop than passenger vehicles, but that does not automatically mean the truck driver had no options. Reviewing the truck’s engine control module (ECM) data can help determine whether the driver braked or attempted to maneuver before impact.

Another important factor is visibility. Were there any obstructions — such as other vehicles, poor lighting or road design issues — that could have made it difficult for either driver to see the other in time? If the intersection has a history of similar collisions, that could indicate a broader safety issue beyond individual driver error.

Crashes like this demonstrate why investigations must go beyond initial assumptions. Determining who had the right of way is a crucial step, but it is just as important to analyze whether either driver had an opportunity to prevent the collision. A thorough review of traffic signals, vehicle data and road conditions will help clarify what happened and whether any safety failures contributed to the outcome.