LANCASTER COUNTY, PA — Two young men from Cleveland, Ohio, were tragically killed in a single-vehicle crash early Saturday morning on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in East Cocalico Township, according to officials from the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office and Pennsylvania State Police.
The fatal incident occurred around 7 a.m. on May 11 in the eastbound lanes near the Reading Interchange, a heavily trafficked area located in Lancaster County.
Victims Identified
Authorities identified the victims as:
- Saurav Prabhakar, 23, the driver
- Manav Patel, 20, a passenger
Both men were pronounced dead at the scene by the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office, which has officially ruled the cause of death as accidental.
The victims were reportedly traveling from Cleveland, Ohio, though the purpose of their trip has not been disclosed.
Third Passenger Injured
A third person in the vehicle survived the crash but was injured and transported to Reading Hospital for medical care. Details about the injured passenger’s identity and current condition have not yet been released by authorities.
The Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the cause of the crash, but no information about what may have led to the wreck has been shared publicly. It remains unclear whether speed, weather, or any mechanical failures played a role.
Investigation Ongoing
While the coroner’s office confirmed that the deaths were accidental, the full details surrounding the crash remain under investigation. As of now, authorities have not said whether other vehicles were involved, though initial reports suggest this was a single-vehicle incident.
The eastbound lanes near the crash site were partially closed during the investigation but have since reopened. Drivers were urged to use caution in the area due to ongoing clean-up efforts at the time.
Community Mourning Loss
News of the fatal crash has shocked both the Lancaster County community and those in Cleveland, where the victims were based. Social media posts have begun circulating with condolences from friends and family, though official statements from loved ones have not been released.
Both young men were in their early twenties with promising futures ahead of them. The loss has reignited conversations around highway safety, particularly among younger drivers on long-distance trips.
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