LUZERNE COUNTY, PA — Four Dead, One Survivor in Fiery Route 924 Crash

LUZERNE COUNTY, PA (July 7, 2025) — Four people died and one was critically injured early Sunday morning when a BMW crashed and caught fire on Route 924 in Hazle Township, according to Pennsylvania State Police.

The crash occurred at approximately 3:30 a.m. when a BMW 328i traveling north on State Route 924 lost control just west of Oakridge Road. The vehicle veered off the right shoulder and struck trees before spinning around onto its passenger side and catching fire.

Four passengers in the vehicle were killed in the crash and ensuing fire. The identities of the four deceased could not be confirmed due to the extent of their injuries, state police said.

The 21-year-old driver survived the crash when passing motorists stopped and helped him escape the burning vehicle. He was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest near Allentown for treatment of his injuries.

The crash closed Route 924 for much of the morning as emergency responders worked to clear the scene and investigate. Traffic was flowing again by 9 a.m., according to 511PA.

Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the cause of the crash. The circumstances that led to the vehicle losing control have not yet been determined.

Fatal Vehicle Fire Accidents in Pennsylvania

Vehicle fires following car accidents represent one of the most tragic types of motor vehicle accidents. When a vehicle catches fire after a crash, occupants have only minutes or sometimes seconds to escape before the fire spreads throughout the vehicle.

Understanding the most frequent causes of fatal vehicle fire accidents can help raise awareness about preventable tragedies:

• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs significantly impair judgment, reaction time, and coordination.
• Distracted Driving: Using phones, adjusting entertainment systems, or any activity that takes attention away from the road can be deadly.
• Speeding: Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to respond to hazards and increases crash severity.
• Reckless Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or running red lights put everyone at risk.
• Fatigue: Drowsy driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving, impairing reaction time and decision-making.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, and fog contribute to fatal accidents when drivers fail to adjust accordingly.

Route 924 is a major north-south corridor in Luzerne County, connecting the Hazleton area to Interstate 81 and other major highways. The section near Oakridge Road where this crash occurred is known for its curves and wooded areas on both sides of the roadway.

Navigating the aftermath of a fatal car accident requires specialized legal knowledge. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even in tragic circumstances involving vehicle fires and multiple fatalities.

If you were involved in a traumatic accident in Luzerne County, the Scranton car accident attorneys at Munley Law can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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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 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.

Disclaimer: All information in this post is informational and is not intended to be considered legal or medical advice. This post is not a solicitation for business.