The driver of an SUV that rolled onto its roof in south Reading, fatally pinning his passenger, told police he was rushing to an appointment when he veered into the other travel lane and hit another vehicle, according to the crash report.
Justin J. Espinal, 25, of Reading was driving southbound on South Fourth Street approaching Pine Street when the crash occurred Thursday about 12:40 p.m.
Najachect Echevarria-Gonzalez, 27, of Sinking Spring, was pronounced dead at the scene by deputies with the Berks County coroner’s office.
Neither driver needed to be taken to a hospital by ambulance,
According to the crash report:
Espinal was in the right lane when he swerved left to get into the left lane. The SUV struck the rear of a car driven by Zachary Powell, 35, of Reading before overturning.
Echevarria-Gonzalez was thrown partially through the sunroof as the SUV rolled and her upper body was pinned under the roof.
An autopsy revealed she died of blunt force trauma and traumatic asphyxia, Coroner Matthew J. Stitzel said. The manner of death is pending completion of the investigation.
Powell was wearing seat belt, but there was no evidence the driver or passenger of the SUV were belted.
The SUV and car needed to be towed. Two parked vehicles that were damaged when the SUV rolled did not need to be towed.