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19-Year-Old Dane Molander Among 5 Killed In Pennsylvania RV Crash

A tragic RV crash in Pennsylvania on Wednesday has left 5 people dead, including 19-year-old Dane Molander. The accident occurred on Interstate 81 in Franklin County when an RV suffered a flat tire, crossed the median, and collided with a tractor trailer.

The Victims

The RV was occupied by four people, all from Middletown, Pennsylvania. They were identified as Donald Molander, Kimberly Molander, Miranda Molander, and 19-year-old Dane Molander. The tractor trailer driver was identified as James Shade of Martinsburg, West Virginia. In addition to the human casualties, a dog also perished in the crash.

The Crash

According to state police, the RV was travelling southbound on I-81 when it got a flat tire. This caused the RV to cross the grassy median and enter the northbound lanes, where it struck a tractor trailer pulling double trailers driven by James Shade. The collision was so devastating that wreckage was scattered across nearly half a mile of highway. A diesel fuel spill and leaking propane tank at the scene were contained by first responders.

Dane Molander Remembered

19-year-old Dane Molander was an up-and-coming professional ATV racer. Tim Cotter, director of events for Dane's professional motocross series, remembered him fondly, saying "He was the guy. He was the next up-and-comer." Dane's death at such a young age and the loss of his entire family is truly heartbreaking.

Aftermath

In the aftermath of the deadly collision, I-81 was closed in both directions near exit 17 but reopened later in the morning, although residual delays remained. The tragic accident came just two days after a charter bus crash in Dauphin County claimed 3 lives and injured many others.

Reaction

News of the devastating crash has spread across Pennsylvania and beyond. Condolences continue to pour in for Dane Molander and the other victims. The grief felt by all who knew them, especially in the close-knit motocross community, is immense.

Preventing Similar Accidents

While the exact cause of the RV's tire blowout remains under investigation, the deadly nature of this crash highlights the importance of RV tire maintenance and preventive action. Proper inflation, alignment, and tread depth can help prevent catastrophic blowouts. Median barriers may also have prevented the RV from crossing into oncoming traffic.

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