YORK COUNTY — Wrong-Way Driver Causes Fatal Crash on I-83, Kills Three

YORK COUNTY, PA (July 23, 2025) — Three people were killed and two others injured when a wrong-way driver collided head-on with a family’s SUV on Interstate 83 early this morning.

The crash occurred around 1:15 a.m. on I-83 northbound near Exit 4 in Shrewsbury Township. According to Pennsylvania State Police, a sedan traveling southbound in the northbound lanes struck a Honda Pilot SUV carrying a family of five returning from vacation.

The wrong-way driver was pronounced dead at the scene. Two passengers in the SUV, identified as a 45-year-old woman and her 16-year-old daughter, were also killed in the collision. The driver of the SUV and his 12-year-old son were transported to York Hospital with serious injuries, while an 8-year-old child in the vehicle sustained minor injuries.

Police report that the wrong-way driver showed signs of impairment, and toxicology tests are pending. The sedan had extensive front-end damage, while the SUV was completely destroyed in the impact.

Both northbound lanes of I-83 were closed for approximately five hours while emergency responders worked to clear the wreckage and conduct their investigation. Traffic was diverted at Exit 4, causing significant delays for early morning commuters.

The Pennsylvania State Police investigation remains ongoing, with reconstruction specialists examining the crash scene.

Wrong-Way Driving Accidents in Pennsylvania

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident requires specialized legal knowledge. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even in tragic circumstances.

Understanding the most frequent causes of wrong-way driving accidents can help raise awareness about preventable tragedies:

• Impaired Driving: Alcohol and drugs are the leading cause of wrong-way crashes, severely impairing judgment and coordination.
• Confusion at Interchanges: Complex highway on-ramps and off-ramps can confuse drivers, especially at night or in poor weather.
• Medical Emergencies: Sudden medical conditions like strokes or seizures can cause drivers to lose control and drive against traffic.
• Age-Related Issues: Elderly drivers may become confused due to cognitive decline or medication side effects.
• Distracted Driving: Using phones or GPS devices can cause drivers to miss critical traffic signs and lane markings.
• Poor Visibility: Nighttime conditions, inadequate lighting, and weather can make it difficult to see proper traffic flow.

If you were involved in a traumatic accident in Central PA, the Pennsylvania 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.