YORK COUNTY — Man Killed in Car Accident by Crashing into Propane Tank, Displaces Residents

YORK, PA (March 20, 2025) —— A man veered off the road, hitting a propane tank valve in Shrewsbury Township on Thursday, March 20.
The crash occurred in the 2300 block of Steltz Road/Route 851 at 1:54 a.m. The driver was speeding when he crashed into a tree, striking a tank valve that protruded from the ground, causing a “significant leak,” according to the York Hazmat Team.
Due to the gas leak, seven residents were forced to evacuate from their homes. The Red Cross is assisting these individuals, as the Hazmat Team has started the flaring process.
All roads have reopened. Pennsylvania State police continue to investigate.
Fatal Car Accidents in Pennsylvania
Navigating the aftermath of a fatal car accident requires specialized legal knowledge. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even in tragic circumstances.
Understanding the most frequent causes of fatal 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.
When a fatal car accident occurs due to another party’s negligence, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. State and local government authorities also become involved in cases involving infrastructure, further complicating claims. These claims can provide compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Lost income and benefits the deceased would have earned
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased before death
- Punitive damages in cases of extreme negligence
Beyond legal support, families who have lost loved ones in fatal car accidents often need emotional and practical assistance. Support groups, grief counseling, and community resources can help families navigate the healing process.
If you were involved in a traumatic accident in York County, the York County car accident attorneys at Munley Law can help. Contact us 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 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.