Newtown, PA — December 16, 2024, two people were injured in a late-morning truck accident at the intersection of Langhorne-Newtown Road and the Newtown Bypass.

Emergency personnel found a dump track laying on top of a van at the intersection, authorities said. Both drivers were trapped as a result of the collision.

The drivers were transported to a local hospital after they were freed from their vehicles, according to authorities. The severity of their injuries has not been released at this time.

Authorities have not shared any additional details about the crash.

The accident remains under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a dump truck ends up on top of a van, as described in this incident, it raises immediate questions about what caused such a catastrophic collision. Incidents involving large commercial vehicles like dump trucks often require deeper scrutiny because of the significant risks these heavy vehicles pose to other drivers.

A crash severe enough to leave a dump truck on top of a van likely involved high forces, sudden maneuvers or braking issues. Investigators should consider:

• Right of Way: Which vehicle had the right of way at the intersection? Was one driver attempting to beat a red light, make an improper turn, or otherwise violate traffic signals?

• Speed: Was the dump truck traveling at a safe speed for the conditions? Heavy vehicles require more time and distance to stop, and excessive speed can make collisions far more severe.

• Driver Visibility and Reaction Time: Did either driver fail to see the other in time to take evasive action? Factors such as blind spots for the dump truck driver or limited visibility at the intersection could have contributed.

Dump trucks are particularly dangerous due to their weight, high center of gravity, and limited maneuverability. Investigators need to assess:

• Braking and Mechanical Failures: Was the truck’s braking system functioning properly, or did mechanical issues contribute to the crash? A thorough inspection of the truck’s brakes, tires and steering systems will be critical.
• Cargo Load: Was the truck properly loaded, and was its cargo secured? Overloaded or improperly balanced dump trucks are prone to tipping over, especially during sharp turns or sudden stops.
• Driver Actions and Training: Was the dump truck driver adequately trained to handle the vehicle in high-risk scenarios, such as busy intersections? Fatigue, distraction or impairment could also play a role and must be investigated.

This crash highlights the importance of going beyond the surface details to identify what went wrong. While it’s clear that the dump truck ended up on top of the van, answering why this happened requires examining factors like driver actions, mechanical issues and road conditions. Evidence such as engine control module data, maintenance records and surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts.

Collisions involving heavy commercial vehicles like dump trucks often have severe consequences, and this case is no exception. While the investigation is ongoing, it’s essential to consider all factors, from vehicle maintenance and driver behavior to road design and intersection safety. Determining what led to this crash is key not only to holding the right parties accountable.