TOBYHANNA TWP., Pa. — A 30-year-old New Jersey man has died following a serious single-vehicle crash Friday morning on Interstate 380 in Tobyhanna Township. The Monroe County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Osman Augustin Perez. The tragic crash occurred during hazardous winter driving conditions and remains under investigation.
Perez was pronounced dead at the emergency department of Lehigh Valley Hospital–Pocono at 8:28 a.m., according to officials. Authorities said the cause and manner of death are pending, and an autopsy has been scheduled. Further findings will depend on both medical results and the ongoing crash reconstruction analysis.
In a news release, the Pennsylvania State Police said troopers responded to the crash on I-380 northbound at mile marker 1.1. Investigators determined that a work van was traveling too fast for roadway conditions while the highway was covered in slush. The driver lost control, causing the van to enter the left shoulder and strike a guardrail before rolling over multiple times.
During the rollover, one passenger was ejected from the vehicle. Police said the ejected passenger came to rest on the right shoulder of the highway. The work van ultimately came to a stop in the right travel lane facing southeast and sustained disabling damage. Emergency responders arrived quickly to secure the area and provide aid to those involved.
Perez was identified as the passenger who was ejected from the van. He was transported by EMS to a local hospital but later succumbed to his injuries. Two additional passengers were also taken to the hospital and are reported to be in stable condition with minor injuries. Authorities have not released further details about the driver.
Crash reconstruction specialists spent hours processing the scene, documenting evidence and examining the damaged vehicle. The van was towed to the Pennsylvania State Police barracks in Stroudsburg for further inspection. Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as they continue to determine all contributing factors in the fatal crash.
