Authorities have identified the woman who was tragically killed in a head-on crash in Hanover Township last week as 32-year-old Aaliyah Jones of Nanticoke. The Luzerne County Coroner’s Office confirmed her identity on Monday, following an autopsy that determined she died from multiple traumatic injuries sustained in the crash. The fatal incident occurred Friday morning along Sans Souci Parkway, a busy stretch of roadway that connects Nanticoke and Wilkes-Barre.
According to Coroner Dion Fernandes, Jones was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash, which also left several others injured, occurred in the area of 1757 Sans Souci Parkway, prompting a massive response from local emergency crews. Hanover Township police, firefighters, and medical personnel arrived to find significant vehicle damage and multiple victims requiring immediate assistance. The roadway was closed between Hanover Area Junior Senior High School and Nimrod Haven Hunting & Fishing for several hours as first responders worked to secure the area and aid the injured.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the exact cause of the collision but confirmed it involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions. Preliminary reports suggest one vehicle may have crossed into the opposite lane, leading to the devastating impact. Multiple occupants were taken to area hospitals for treatment, though their current conditions remain unknown. Police said the investigation into what caused the vehicles to collide head-on is still active, and evidence from the scene is being thoroughly reviewed.
The Hanover Township Police Department is leading the investigation and has been working to reconstruct the crash using physical evidence, vehicle data, and witness statements. Investigators are also examining whether factors such as speed, distraction, or road conditions may have contributed to the wreck. Authorities have asked any drivers with dashcam footage or additional information to contact police to assist with the ongoing investigation.
News of Jones’s death has deeply affected the Nanticoke community, where she was known for her kindness and positive spirit. Friends and family members have taken to social media to share tributes, expressing disbelief and grief over her sudden passing. Many described her as a caring person whose presence will be deeply missed.
The tragic crash has also renewed local concerns about the safety of Sans Souci Parkway, a road that has seen multiple serious accidents in recent years. Community members and local officials are urging drivers to remain alert and cautious, particularly during morning and evening commutes. As the investigation continues, authorities extended heartfelt condolences to Aaliyah Jones’s loved ones, vowing to determine the full circumstances behind the crash that claimed her life.
