Authorities in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, are investigating the death of 26-year-old Gladys Echevarria, who died following a medical incident at the Carriage House Car Wash earlier this month. The incident occurred on Wednesday, April 15, when Echevarria collapsed near a vacuum unit at the car wash. She was taken to a local hospital but later died.
According to Lebanon City Police, the vacuum unit involved was deemed unsafe by the Lebanon City Fire Department, which led to its immediate disconnection. Investigators found that a customer had reported an electrical issue with a different vacuum unit at the same location the day before Echevarria's incident. Maintenance staff addressed the complaint, repaired the unit, and found no further issues.
The investigation, which is ongoing, has not yet revealed any criminal intent or gross negligence. The police department will consult with the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office once the investigation concludes. The York County Coroner's Office has not released the cause and manner of Echevarria's death pending autopsy results.
A local resident, Omayra Rivera, reported receiving an electric shock from a vacuum unit at the same car wash on April 14, which she reported to the car wash management. Rivera expressed concern that her report was not taken seriously, a sentiment she shared with LebTown.
The car wash owner has been cooperative with the investigation, and the facility has been allowed to reopen. The Department of Public Safety has required all vacuum units to remain out of service until they are fully assessed.