A heartbreaking accident in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, has left a community in mourning after two women lost their lives in a devastating crash over the weekend. The Pocono Mountain Regional Police confirmed the tragic incident in a statement on Monday, revealing that the collision occurred on Saturday afternoon under heavy fog, which may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
The crash took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Route 115 South in Tunkhannock Township. According to authorities, Samuel Frantz, 57, was driving a car with two passengers—his wife, Cherylynn Frantz, 55, and Joann Keifer, 75, both residents of Tunkhannock Township. Frantz was attempting to make a left turn into the driveway of his home when the tragedy unfolded.
As Frantz’s vehicle crossed the northbound lane of Route 115, it was struck by an oncoming car driven by Stephen Zazulak, 25, of Albrightsville. The impact of the collision was severe, resulting in fatal injuries to both Cherylynn Frantz and Joann Keifer. Samuel Frantz survived the crash but sustained injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Zazulak, the driver of the other vehicle, was not seriously injured.
Police have confirmed that heavy fog blanketed the area at the time of the crash, significantly reducing visibility on the road. While the investigation is still ongoing, authorities believe the fog may have been a contributing factor in the collision. Drivers in the area have reported that Route 115 can be particularly challenging to navigate in poor weather conditions, especially when making turns across traffic.
The loss of Joann Keifer and Cherylynn Frantz has sent shockwaves through Tunkhannock Township and the surrounding communities. Friends, family, and neighbors are struggling to come to terms with the sudden and tragic deaths of the two women, who were beloved members of the community.
“This is a devastating loss for everyone who knew them,” said one neighbor, who asked to remain anonymous. “They were kind, caring people, and this is just so hard to process.”
In the wake of the accident, local police are urging drivers to exercise extreme caution, especially in adverse weather conditions. They have issued reminders to help prevent similar tragedies, including slowing down in fog, using headlights and signals, and being cautious when turning across traffic.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the crash to determine the exact cause and whether any additional factors, such as speed or road conditions, played a role. They are also reviewing witness statements and any available surveillance footage to piece together the events leading up to the collision.
This tragic accident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of driving in low-visibility conditions. As the community grieves, officials are calling on all drivers to remain vigilant and prioritize safety to prevent future tragedies on the road.
