SUV Crashes Into Mullica Hill Home, Killing Couple and Igniting Fire

Overview

• Thomas Hengel, 72, and his wife, Lisa Hengel, 61, died after their SUV came to rest inside a living room on Banff Drive, police said.
• The SUV accelerated for unknown reasons, jumped a curb, crossed two yards and triggered a fire that engulfed the vehicle and much of the house.
• Residents who were inside the home were evacuated without injury, and the property was declared uninhabitable with the family temporarily relocated.
• Local leaders praised the rapid response by the Harrison Township Fire District and other county first responder agencies.
• Thomas Hengel was a retired Clearview High School teacher and longtime track and cross-country coach, according to officials.