Adams County, PA — August 15, 2025, at least one person lost their life due to a truck accident at approximately 10:45 a.m. along State Highway 30.

According to authorities, the accident took place on Chambersburg Road (S.H. 30) in the vicinity between the Buchanan Valley Road and Pine Grove Road intersections.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, an 18-wheeler was involved in a seemingly single-vehicle collision in which it overturned, coming to a stop resting on its right side. At least one person lost their life as a result of this accident, reports state. Additional details pertaining to this incident—including the identity(s) of the victim(s)—are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When an 18-wheeler overturns on a highway without any other vehicles reported as directly involved, the first thing investigators need to determine is why the truck left its upright position in the first place. Trucks don’t tip over on their own—something pushed this vehicle past its limits.

There are several possibilities. The driver may have overcorrected while steering, entered a curve too fast, or braked too sharply. The engine control module (ECM) can shed light on those questions by showing speed, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before the rollover. If the truck had in-cab cameras, that footage could show whether the driver was alert, fatigued, or distracted. Phone records are also key—because a momentary lapse of attention at highway speeds can easily lead to a loss of control.

Mechanical issues and cargo loading must also be considered. An improperly balanced or overweight load can make a truck unstable, especially during lane changes or evasive maneuvers. I’ve handled cases where unsecured cargo shifted inside a trailer, instantly throwing the truck off balance and causing a rollover. Maintenance failures—like worn brakes, suspension defects, or underinflated tires—can also leave a driver unable to control the vehicle.

Finally, company oversight often plays a role. Was this driver given enough time to make deliveries safely, or was he pressured to push the truck harder than conditions allowed? Were inspections and load checks done properly before the trip? When those responsibilities are overlooked, the consequences are borne not only by the driver, but by anyone else who happens to share the road.

At this stage, calling the crash a “single-vehicle accident” risks oversimplifying the matter. A full investigation—into electronic data, maintenance history, load documentation, and company practices—is the only way to uncover the real cause and identify all those who may be responsible.

Key Takeaways

• Overturns don’t happen spontaneously; investigators must determine whether driver input, mechanical failure, or cargo shift caused the truck to tip.
• ECM data, in-cab video, and phone records are essential to reconstruct the driver’s actions.
• Cargo balance, load securement, and equipment maintenance should be reviewed as possible factors.
• Company scheduling, oversight, and inspection practices may have contributed to unsafe conditions.
• Labeling this as a “single-vehicle crash” risks overlooking systemic issues that led to the loss of life.