Authorities have released the identities of four young men killed in a fiery single-vehicle crash that occurred in the early morning hours of July 6, 2025, on the Cando Expressway (SR 924) near the Schuylkill and Luzerne County line.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police at Hazleton, troopers were dispatched around 3:34 AM to the scene of the crash, just west of the Oakridge Road intersection in Hazle Township. Investigators say the vehicle was traveling northbound when it lost control, crossed into the opposite lane, and left the roadway before striking several trees. The vehicle came to rest on its passenger side and quickly became engulfed in flames, trapping five of the occupants inside.
One individual managed to escape the burning vehicle, but four others were unable to get out and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Following an investigation by the Troop N Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Specialist (CARS) Unit in conjunction with the Luzerne County Coroner’s Office, the deceased victims have been identified as:
- Jose Manuel Fernandez Bolven, 25, of Hazleton
- Hector Luis Guzman, 24, of Hazleton
- Marcos Alvarez, 24, of Hazleton
- Elvis Manuel Mata Almonte, 25, of Hazleton