According to Pennsylvania State Police at Hazleton, the crash occurred around 3:34 a.m. on July 6 along the Cando Expressway (Route 924), just west of Oakridge Road in Hazle Township near the Schuylkill/Luzerne County line.
Investigators said a 2015 BMW 328i was traveling north when the driver lost control, crossed into the southbound lane, and began to spin. The vehicle left the roadway, struck several trees, and ultimately came to rest on its passenger side. Moments later, it became engulfed in flames with five occupants trapped inside.
Passing motorists were able to rescue a 21-year-old man from the burning vehicle. He was airlifted by medical helicopter to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest for treatment of serious injuries.
The four other occupants were unable to escape and were pronounced dead at the scene by the Luzerne County Coroner’s Office. Due to the severity of the fire, authorities said the victims could not be immediately identified, and identification is pending through the coroner’s investigation.
Responding agencies included Hazle Township Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Lehigh Valley Health Network EMS Hazleton, PennDOT, Kisenwether’s Towing, and the Luzerne County Coroner’s Office.
The crash remains under investigation by Pennsylvania State Police–Hazleton.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact PSP Hazleton at (570) 459-3890.