West Manchester Township police released new information about the deadly pileup on Route 30 that occurred on April 16, 2024. Stephen Kravitz Jr., a 53-year-old truck driver from Emmaus, Pennsylvania, faces over 40 charges, including third-degree murder and DUI homicide. Authorities revealed that Kravitz was under the influence of multiple prescription drugs, which he did not have prescriptions for, at the time of the crash.
The crash involved 13 vehicles and resulted in the deaths of Barry Hirneisen, 77, and James Lawyer Jr., 52. Several others were seriously injured. According to FOX43, Kravitz was speeding at 63 mph in a 40 mph zone and did not attempt to brake before colliding with stopped traffic. Witnesses reported seeing his head bobbing, indicating possible impairment.
Kravitz, who held a Commercial Driver’s License, failed to disclose a prior drug-related crash and his medication use during medical exams. ABC27 reported that he claimed to have a prescription for Alprazolam but did not provide evidence. His actions were described as showing "recklessness to extreme indifference to the value of human life" by York County's first assistant district attorney, Tim Barker.
Kravitz remains in custody without bail, and his preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 25. If convicted, he could face life in prison. The case highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the severe consequences it can have.