16-year-old killed after car crashes into home, catches fire
FRANCONIA TWP., Pa (CBS) -- A 16-year-old driver was killed when they crashed into the side of a duplex home and sparked a fire Wednesday night, police said.
Just before 11 p.m., emergency crews responded to a crash and vehicle fire at the intersection of Allentown and Banbury Roads.
Firefighters put out the blaze, which did not spread to the house, and pulled the 16-year-old from the vehicle, a 2016 BMW sedan. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials inspected the home and declared it structurally unsafe for habitation. A family in the home is being relocated.
The cause of the crash is still being investigated, but police say speed "appears to have been a factor."
Pennridge High School student
Pennridge High School officials confirmed the driver was one of their 11th-grade students. The school sent parents the following letter:
Dear Pennridge High School Parents,
As you may be aware the Pennridge High School community suffered a great loss last night with the death of an 11th-grade student. Our thoughts, prayers, and full support are with his family. On May 17th, a Junior at Pennridge High School was killed in an automobile accident. This young man joined the PHS family last year as a 10th grader and this year, he attended the Tech School for Automotive and received his high school courses through our cyber programming. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school community, especially our students, their families, and our staff. The child's mother has also asked us to continue to speak with other parents about the importance of safe driving.Please be assured, our schools have Crisis Intervention Teams made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. In addition, supports are available through the Bucks County Intermediate Unit, St. Luke's Penn Foundation, and Lakeside Counseling. Please reach out to your child's counselor, or the main office at 215-453-6944, if you need additional support for your child or family.
We have also provided some additional links to information on how to help your child and family deal with grief and loss.
Sincerely,
David
David A. Bolton, Ed.D. - Superintendent
