Two People Die in Fiery Car Crash in Bradford County, PA

Two people died in a car accident along Route 14 in South Creek Township in Bradford County, PA, on December 7. According to WNEP, first responders and the Bradford County Coroner’s Office were called to the two-car crash near the New York border. News reports state that one of the vehicles was engulfed in flames.

According to the coroner’s office, the driver was driving southbound on Route 14 when the car crossed the opposite lane and collided with a northbound truck.

Both the driver and her passenger were pronounced dead at the scene. The occupants of the truck did not suffer life-threatening injuries.

Route 14 was shut down for hours as emergency personnel investigated the wreck. It was reopened later that day.

Car Accidents and Fire: What You Need to Know

Car fires after accidents are a serious and surprisingly common hazard. You have minutes or even seconds to react when smoke rises from your hood after a collision. Your quick decisions in these moments are important for survival.

First things first – get out. It doesn’t matter if your phone, purse, or favorite jacket is in the back seat. Cars can become fully engulfed in flames in under five minutes, and toxic smoke from burning materials can incapacitate you in seconds. Once you’re safely out, move at least 100 feet away. That distance might seem excessive, but remember that cars contain explosive materials like gasoline and pressurized components that can turn into dangerous projectiles.

Never play the hero by attempting to retrieve items or battle the blaze unless you have a fire extinguisher and the fire is still tiny. Modern vehicles contain materials that create toxic fumes when burned, and in the case of electric vehicles, the lithium-ion batteries can reignite even after appearing extinguished. Your only job is to ensure everyone’s safety and call emergency services. Let the professionals handle the rest – they have the proper equipment and training to deal with vehicle fires safely.

Document the scene from a safe distance by taking photos and videos of the accident. Remember, the car may reignite so keep your distance.

Some warning signs of a potential fire after a car crash include:

• smoke from any part of the car
• hissing sounds
• fluid leaking
• sparks
• chemical smells

If you smell gas or see leaking fluids, evacuate immediately, even if no fire is visible. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you were involved in a car accident anywhere in Bradford County, our Towanda personal injury attorneys can help. Contact Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation.

Note: Our team of writers uses secondary sources to produce this post, including local and state media and news sources, regional and state police incident reports, social media platforms, and eyewitness accounts about serious accidents that take place in Pennsylvania. For that reason, if you find any information that is not correct, be sure to contact Munley Law as soon as possible so that we can update the post with the most exact information available. A post will be removed upon request. All information in this post is informational and not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.