UPPER SAUCON TWP., Pa – The Lehigh County Coroner's office and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Troop M have released information on the double fatal crash that occurred on I-78 East Monday morning.
On Monday, December 9, 2024, at approximately 4:53 am, Troopers were dispatched to I-78
Eastbound, Mile Marker 61.6, Upper Saucon Township, Lehigh County for the report of a motor
vehicle crash, according to a press release.
Upon investigation, it was determined the crash involved a Volvo Tractor Trailer, Freightliner
Tractor Trailer and 2003 Toyota Sienna.
Photo courtesy Lehigh Valley Fire Scene Photos
According to the report, this crash resulted in two fatalities, three individuals transported to Saint Luke’s Hospital Fountain Hill and one individual transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest for their injuries.
Initial investigation reveals three individuals were outside the vehicle attempting to push the
Toyota Sienna in the right lane of travel. One individual who was pushing the vehicle was killed
and the operator of the Volvo Tractor Trailer was killed, according to the press release.
Video courtesy Lehigh Valley Fire Scene Photos
According to the Lehigh County Coroner, Nicolas Bolotine, age 30 of East Cocalico Twp, PA was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 8 a.m. Monday. Bolotine was the operator of a Sauder's egg tractor-trailer that struck another tractor-trailer.
The coroner has ruled Bolotine's cause of death as multiple blunt force injuries due to a motor vehicle collision.
The second victim is identified as John Doe, age and residency unknown.
John Doe was pronounced dead on the scene shortly before 8 a.m. More information will be released when it is available.
All traffic was closed eastbound and detoured onto State Route 309 during this crash
investigation. Traffic reopened at approximately 11:00 am.
This crash investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who may have witnessed this crash or has video of the crash is asked to contact PSP Fogelsville at (610) 395-1438 and reference Incident Number PA24-1589849.
PSP Fogelsville Patrol Unit is the lead investigator in this crash. Assisting at the scene: Troop
M Collision Analysis Reconstruction Unit, Troop M Forensic Services Unit, Upper Saucon
Township Fire Department, Lower Saucon Township Fire Department, Lehigh County Coroner,
PENNDOT, Lehigh County District Attorneys Office and Upper Saucon Ambulance.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police, visit www.psp.pa.gov.
Please keep the families and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
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