Pennsylvania State Police have identified the person involved in the fatal accident on January 23 as Brenda Thornhill, age 44 of Curwensville.
A hidden vehicle identification plate was located by the State Police Auto Theft Unit. An autopsy and dental exam was conducted yesterday. Blair County Coroner Patricia Ross has positively identified the victim as Thornhill.
Thornhill was killed when her vehicle, a 1993 Pontiac Bonneville, was crushed between a tanker-trailer and a tractor-trailer.
All three vehicles were traveling north on Interstate 99. A tanker-trailer driven by Joseph Marshall of Fayette, PA stopped for a backlog of traffic. Thornhill also stopped behind the tanker-trailer. The tractor-trailer, driven by Hogo Ortiz of Milton, PA approached from the rear, struck Thronhill from behind, and pushed her into the tanker-trailer. Thornhill’s car was engulfed in flames.
Both drivers of the tanker and tractor-trailers were able to escape any injuries. Police said there was no indication drugs or alcohol were to blame for this accident.
The northbound lane on Interstate 99 between the Tyrone and Bald Eagle exits was closed for several hours. All northbound traffic was diverted to Old Route 220 and Route 550.
The investigation will take several weeks to complete.
Upon completion, the report will be reviewed with the Blair County District Attorney’s office to determine if charges will be filed.
