In the pre-dawn stillness of Tuesday, August 12, 2025, a devastating crash shattered the quiet of Milford Township, Juniata County, claiming the life of a young man and leaving a community in mourning. The Pennsylvania State Police have released details of the heart-wrenching incident, piecing together the moments that led to a fatal single-vehicle wreck on Route 35, near the intersection of Mowery Street.
At approximately 5:10 a.m., a 2007 Chevrolet Express van barreled through the early morning mist, its driver grappling with a treacherous curve in the road. For reasons still under investigation, the van veered out of control, crossing into oncoming traffic lanes before striking two curbs and slamming into a guardrail with brutal force. The impact reverberated through the vehicle, where four souls were aboard, each caught in the chaos of the moment.
Among them was 30-year-old Manuel Vazquez Perez of Sunbury, seated in the second row of the van. Tragically, he was not wearing a seatbelt—a detail that would prove fatal. The violent collision inflicted severe trauma, and despite the swift response of emergency crews, Vazquez Perez succumbed to his injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Juniata County Coroner, just as preparations were being made to airlift him for medical treatment.
Another passenger, whose identity remains undisclosed, bore the brunt of the crash as well, suffering suspected serious injuries. They were rushed to Geisinger Lewistown Hospital, where they continue to receive care. The driver and a third passenger, also unrestrained by seatbelts, escaped with minor injuries, declining hospital transport. The fourth occupant’s condition remains unclear, but the Mifflintown Hose Company No. 1 confirmed that one person was hospitalized, while two others refused treatment.
The scene was one of somber urgency, as first responders from Mifflintown Hose Company No. 1 worked tirelessly amidst the wreckage. In a heartfelt Facebook post, the fire company expressed gratitude to all who assisted and extended prayers to those affected by the tragedy. The crumpled van, the flashing lights of emergency vehicles, and the quiet grief of onlookers painted a stark picture of loss on that rural stretch of Route 35.
The Pennsylvania State Police continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the van’s deadly trajectory. Questions linger: Was it speed, road conditions, or a momentary lapse that sent the vehicle careening off course? As troopers comb through evidence and interview witnesses, the crash serves as a grim reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of seatbelt use—a simple act that might have altered the outcome for Manuel Vazquez Perez.
In Milford Township, a community bound by resilience and shared sorrow, the memory of this tragedy will linger. For now, the investigation presses on, seeking answers to honor the life lost and to prevent future heartbreak on the winding roads of Juniata County.