Overview
- Harrison Township police say a 2020 Hyundai Palisade suddenly accelerated for unknown reasons, jumped a curb, crossed two yards, and crashed into a living room.
- The collision ignited a fire that engulfed the SUV and much of the house; occupants inside the home were evacuated without injuries.
- The home was deemed uninhabitable and the family was temporarily relocated, according to officials.
- The victims were identified as Thomas Hengel, 72, a retired teacher and longtime Clearview Regional High School coach, and his wife, Lisa, 61, as tributes from the school community continued.
- Investigators do not expect criminal charges at this time and praised the rapid response by the Harrison Township Fire District and mutual-aid crews to the Banff Road scene.