Neil Plummer Killed in Truck Accident near New Castle, PA

Lawrence County, PA — January 7, 2025, Neil Plummer was killed in a truck accident at about 8:30 a.m. on Beaver Valley Expressway/Interstate 376.

Authorities said a Toyota Tacoma was driving on eastbound I-376 when it lost control for unknown reason and veered across the median, crashing into a Ford Transit van that had been heading the other direction.

Van driver Neil Plummer, 41, was pronounced dead after the crash, according to authorities. He had been driving west in a Cintas van.

Reina Smith, 26, the driver of the pickup, was transported to an area hospital via helicopter with unspecified injuries, authorities said.

The crash is still being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

A crash like this one highlights the dangers of vehicle instability and the lack of physical barriers on some highway medians. Incidents involving crossovers are often severe, as vehicles moving at highway speeds collide head-on or at high angles, creating forces difficult to survive.

The first question is why the Toyota Tacoma lost control. Was the driver reacting to another vehicle, distraction or a sudden obstacle on the road? Investigators will need to assess factors such as speed, weather conditions and the mechanical condition of the truck. The roadway’s surface at the time — whether wet, icy or otherwise compromised — could also have played a role. Evidence from skid marks, witness statements and the Tacoma’s engine control module will help reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the crash.

The absence of a physical median barrier is another critical issue. While grassy medians can help separate opposing lanes, they may not be sufficient to stop vehicles from crossing over in cases like this. Installing barriers, such as cable or concrete dividers, is a proven measure to reduce crossover crashes. Investigators should consider whether this section of I-376 has a history of similar incidents, which could indicate a need for infrastructure improvements.

The fatality in this crash underscores the high stakes when vehicles cross into opposing traffic. The Ford Transit van’s driver appeared to have little to no opportunity to avoid the Tacoma once it entered his path. This highlights the importance of examining whether systemic measures, such as improved road design or stricter speed controls, could prevent vehicles from entering oncoming lanes in the first place.

Finally, the investigation should look into whether the pickup truck’s driver was adhering to safe driving practices. Was there any indication of distraction, impairment or speeding? The fact that the driver survived and required helicopter transport for treatment suggests a significant impact, emphasizing the need to scrutinize all potential contributing factors.

This crash illustrates how quickly things can go wrong on high-speed highways, particularly when vehicles lose control and cross medians. A thorough investigation into the roadway design, driver actions and vehicle conditions will be critical to understanding what caused this collision and identifying ways to reduce the risk of similar tragedies in the future.