Westmoreland County, PA — February 28, 2025, Rene Davis was killed and a teenager was injured in a truck accident at approximately 7:15 a.m. along U.S. Highway 22.

According to authorities, the accident took place in the vicinity of the U.S. 22 and State Highway 819 intersection.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a collision took place between a school van occupied by 60-year-old Rene Davis, an 18-wheeler, and a passenger vehicle occupied by a 17-year-old student.

Reports state that Davis sustained fatal injuries over the course of the accident. The teen from the third vehicle suffered injuries, as well, and was transported to a local medical facility in order to receive evaluation and appropriate treatment. 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 crash involves an 18-wheeler, a school van, and a passenger vehicle, the key question isn’t just what happened, but why it happened. In my experience handling truck accident cases, wrecks like this rarely occur without multiple contributing factors that need to be examined.

What triggered the collision? Multi-vehicle crashes don’t happen in isolation—something set off the chain of events. Did the truck rear-end another vehicle? Did one of the smaller vehicles lose control or make an unsafe maneuver? Investigators should review dashcam footage, black box data, and witness statements to determine how the wreck began.

Was speed a factor? Large trucks require longer stopping distances, and excessive speed can make it harder to avoid a sudden slowdown or unexpected obstacle. If the 18-wheeler was traveling too fast for conditions, that could have contributed to the severity of the crash. Investigators should examine black box data, braking distances, and traffic patterns to determine whether speed played a role.

Did driver error contribute? Every driver involved had a responsibility to operate their vehicle safely. If one driver made a sudden lane change, failed to yield, or misjudged another vehicle’s speed, that could have been a factor. Investigators should assess traffic signal timing, vehicle positioning, and whether distraction or fatigue played a role in the crash.

Did the trucking company play a role? Trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are properly trained, well-rested, and following safety protocols. If this driver was fatigued, improperly trained, or operating a poorly maintained truck, that’s something investigators need to uncover. Reviewing company policies, safety records, and past violations could provide insight into whether broader issues contributed to the crash.

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 they deserve.