Lehigh County, PA – In a tragic multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 78 early Monday morning, two lives were lost, with one victim identified and the other still unknown. The accident occurred shortly before 8 a.m. and involved several vehicles, including tractor-trailers.
One of the victims has been identified as 30-year-old Nicolas Bolotine from East Cocalico Township. Bolotine, who was driving a tractor-trailer for Sauder’s Egg, collided with another tractor-trailer. The Lehigh County Coroner’s Office reported that Bolotine died from multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the crash. His death has been classified as a motor vehicle accident.
The second victim, currently known as “John Doe,” was a pedestrian who was hit by a tractor-trailer after he exited his vehicle. The coroner revealed that he was attempting to push his disabled vehicle off the road when the fatal incident occurred. John Doe also died from multiple blunt force injuries. Efforts to identify him are ongoing, with authorities working with state and federal agencies to determine his identity.
The Pennsylvania State Police, Fogelsville Station, and the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office have launched an investigation into the crash. Investigators are looking into possible contributing factors, including road conditions, driver behavior, and vehicle maintenance, to understand what led to the fatal collision.
This tragic accident has deeply affected the local community. Bolotine’s family and the loved ones of the unidentified pedestrian are mourning their sudden losses. Authorities are urging anyone who witnessed the crash or has information about John Doe’s identity to come forward, as identifying the pedestrian is a priority for the investigation.
As the investigation progresses, the community seeks clarity about the circumstances surrounding the crash and justice for the victims. The commitment of the Pennsylvania State Police and the Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office is expected to provide answers, and officials remain hopeful that the second victim’s identity will be discovered soon.
The local community remains in mourning, and the incident underscores the importance of road safety and vigilance while driving. Authorities hope to uncover all details of the crash to prevent such tragedies in the future and bring closure to the families involved.
