A routine left turn at a rural intersection turned deadly Saturday evening when a Buick driver pulled into oncoming traffic, resulting in a fatal collision that killed two people on a motorcycle in Saint Thomas Township.
State police investigators reported that the crash took place at approximately 5:07 p.m. at the intersection of Lincoln Way West and Hade Road in Franklin County.
According to official police reports, the driver of the Buick Encore was heading westbound on Lincoln Way West. As the vehicle approached Hade Road, the driver attempted to turn left across the oncoming lane.
At that exact moment, an eastbound 2023 Indian motorcycle driven by 54-year-old Ross DeShong, carrying 50-year-old passenger Paula Young, was proceeding straight through the intersection. The SUV turned directly into the motorcycle’s path, leaving the rider no chance to stop.
The force of the broadside impact hurled both DeShong and Young from the motorcycle onto the pavement. Emergency medical crews responded quickly to the intersection, but both victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene.
The driver of the Buick Encore sustained minor injuries in the crash. First responders transported the driver to a nearby hospital for evaluation and treatment while state police secured the crash scene.
Pennsylvania State Police continue to reconstruct the collision to determine whether speed, distraction, or failure to yield right-of-way played the primary role in the fatal turn. No official charges have been announced yet as investigators complete their report.
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