Montour County, PA — February 6, 2025, Marlene Butters was killed following a truck accident that took place along Interstate Highway 80.

According to authorities, 58-year-old Marlene Butters was traveling in a westbound motor vehicle on I.H. 80 in Valley Township when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the vehicle veered left, crossing over the median and entering the eastbound lanes of traffic. There, it was involved in a head-on collision with an oncoming 18-wheeler.

Butters suffered fatal injuries over the course of the accident, according to reports, and was declared deceased at the scene. It doesn't appear that anyone else was hurt. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a vehicle crosses a median and collides head-on with an 18-wheeler, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, crashes like this rarely occur without some underlying cause that needs to be examined.

What caused the vehicle to veer into oncoming traffic? Cars don’t just drift across a highway median for no reason. Did the driver experience a medical emergency, such as a sudden loss of consciousness or a seizure? Did the vehicle suffer a mechanical failure, like a tire blowout or steering issue, that made it impossible to maintain control? Investigators should examine medical records, vehicle diagnostics, and witness statements to determine whether an external factor contributed to the crash.

Was distraction or impairment involved? A moment of inattention—whether from a phone, in-car technology, or something else—can be all it takes for a vehicle to drift into oncoming traffic. Impairment is another possibility, as alcohol or drugs can slow reaction times and affect coordination. Investigators should review toxicology reports, phone records, and potential signs of distraction to determine if either played a role.

Did the truck driver have enough time and space to react? Reports don’t indicate how far the vehicle had traveled in the wrong lane before the crash occurred. Investigators should determine whether the truck driver had an opportunity to avoid the collision, or if the other vehicle’s sudden movement left no time to react. Reviewing dashcam footage and electronic logging device (ELD) data could help clarify this.

Are there broader issues worth examining? While this crash appears to have been set in motion by the vehicle leaving its lane, investigators should still confirm whether all drivers involved were operating safely. Was the truck driver properly rested and fully attentive? Was the truck in proper working order? Answering these questions ensures that all possible factors are considered.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is finding answers. Even if it takes an independent investigation to gather the right evidence, it’s critical to examine every factor to ensure those affected by the crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.