Police: 5 coworkers killed in tractor-trailer crash

UPPER MACUNGIE TWP., Pa. -- Route 222 reopened early Thursday morning after five people were killed in a collision involving a car and tractor trailer in Lehigh County.

The accident happened at 3:45 p.m. Wednesday on Route 222 southbound near Route 100 in Upper Macungie Township, Pennsylvania.

Police say a Subaru Impreza traveling northbound crossed the center grass median and collided head-on into the tractor trailer.

Upon impact, police say both the vehicle and the tractor trailer, which overturned, burst into flames.

Police say five people were killed in a collision involving a car and tractor trailer in Lehigh County.

All five occupants of the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Officials say forensic testing will be needed to positively identify the victims.

An investigation revealed the victims were a group of co-workers who were commuting together on their way home from work in Upper Macungie Township.

So far, the coroner has determined that there were two females and one male. Further examination is needed for the other two victims.

Autopsies will be conducted Thursday on the victims.

The driver of the tractor trailer, identified as Richard Eckrote of Allentown, suffered minor injuries.

Police are working to determine why the Subaru cross the median.

Route 222 was closed for nine hours as officials conducted their investigation.