A Pennsylvania State Police trooper is recovering after his marked cruiser was rear-ended in heavy July 4 traffic on Pohopoco Drive, just west of Beltzville State Park's main entrance. The crash happened after park staff announced the park had hit capacity and closed to additional visitors. The trooper and two occupants of the other vehicle were taken to St. Luke's Hospital - Carbon Campus with suspected minor injuries.
How the Crash Unfolded
According to Lehigh Valley Live, state police said Trooper Justin Magluilo, 38, was driving a marked 2023 Dodge Durango with his emergency lights on when a 2018 Honda Civic slammed into the back of the SUV at a high rate of speed. The Honda was driven by a 19-year-old Allentown resident, with a 20-year-old Allentown passenger riding along. State police and EMS responded, and Strohl's Towing removed both vehicles from the scene. The Honda passenger was also treated at the hospital.
Injuries and Response
Per the Pennsylvania State Police, all three motorists were wearing seat belts at the time of the collision and were taken to St. Luke's Hospital - Carbon Campus with suspected minor injuries. Rangers from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Franklin Township police and the Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Company assisted state police and EMS at the scene. State police said the Honda driver was cited for following too closely, and the crash remains under investigation.
Park Capacity and Holiday Crowds
Beltzville staff had posted on social media that the park was full and closed to any more guests for the holiday, a move that helped create bumper-to-bumper congestion along Pohopoco Drive, Lehigh Valley Live reported. The park, managed by the state's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, lists its address and visitor details on the official Beltzville State Park page. Park rangers and local emergency crews said they were directing traffic and towing vehicles from no-parking areas in an effort to keep the main roadways clear.
Wider Context
The crash came just three days after Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. was killed while conducting a commercial motor vehicle inspection on Interstate 81, an incident that the Pennsylvania State Police publicly memorialized, along with funeral arrangements announced on July 6. State police had also said they were increasing enforcement over the Fourth of July holiday to crack down on impaired, distracted and aggressive driving, a plan local TV outlets highlighted ahead of the weekend. The close timing of the two crashes has renewed calls from officials for extra caution on jammed park roads and at popular summer destinations.
