Walnutport, Pennsylvania (February 13, 2026) — An 86-year-old Carbon County man died Friday morning after the SUV he was driving collided with a tractor-trailer at a Northampton County intersection, according to authorities.
The Northampton County Coroner identified the deceased as Francesco Scutari, 86, of Towamensing Township. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash occurred just before 9:40 a.m. at North Best Avenue (Route 145) and Spruce Street in Walnutport.
Incident Details: According to the Northampton County Coroner’s Office, Scutari was the sole occupant of a small SUV involved in a collision with a tractor-trailer at the intersection. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash was reported and pronounced Scutari deceased at the scene.
Coroner Zachary Lysek stated that Scutari died from multiple blunt force injuries sustained in the collision. The manner of death was ruled accidental.
Authorities have not released further details about the sequence of events leading up to the crash, including the direction of travel for either vehicle or whether traffic control devices were in place at the time. Information about the condition of the tractor-trailer driver has not been disclosed.
Investigation: The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation. In crashes involving passenger vehicles and commercial trucks at signalized or major roadway intersections, investigators typically examine right-of-way, signal timing, vehicle speed, and visibility conditions.
Route 145 is a well-traveled corridor, and intersections along state highways often require careful analysis of turning movements, sight distance, and braking patterns. Investigators may evaluate skid marks, debris fields, impact points, and vehicle damage profiles to determine how the collision unfolded.
Because a tractor-trailer was involved, investigators may also review onboard data systems, including event data recorders, and assess whether the commercial driver complied with regulations. That can include reviewing hours-of-service logs, vehicle maintenance records, and available dash-cam footage.
Accident reconstruction specialists may be called upon to create a timeline of vehicle movements in the moments leading up to impact. Determining whether a driver misjudged timing, speed, or gap distance at the intersection is likely central to understanding the cause of the crash.
At this time, authorities have not announced any citations or charges.
Legal Considerations: Collisions between passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers often raise complex legal and factual issues. Commercial vehicles carry greater mass and stopping distances, which can significantly influence crash severity. In civil proceedings, questions may focus on right-of-way, safe turning practices, and whether either driver exercised reasonable care under prevailing traffic conditions.
Depending on the findings of the investigation, Francesco’s family members may have the option to pursue a wrongful death claim to address funeral expenses and other losses resulting from the crash.
I extend my deepest condolences to the Scutari family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Source: LehighValleyLive.com