Corry, PA (May 9, 2026) – One person was killed following a two-vehicle crash on Friday afternoon near the intersection of Route 89 and East Pleasant Street in Erie County.
Emergency units responded to the area after reports of a serious collision involving a red sedan and a dark-colored SUV. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage at the scene.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the SUV was stopped at a stop sign on Lovell Road and was traveling east when it entered the intersection. The SUV then struck a sedan that was entering the intersection at the same time.
Investigators said the sedan left the roadway after the impact, entered a ditch, and rolled several times along Route 89. The driver of the sedan, identified as 81-year-old Benjamin Ewiak Jr. of Erie, was ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene.
Officials said the SUV driver was not injured. No charges have been filed at this time as the investigation continues.
Route 89 was closed between Route 6 and Cherry Hill Road while emergency crews worked at the scene and investigators documented the crash site.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Why Ejection in Rollover Crashes Greatly Increases Fatal Risk
When a vehicle rolls multiple times after leaving the roadway, occupants who are not fully restrained can be ejected due to the force of the crash. Ejection significantly increases the risk of fatal injury because the person is no longer protected by the vehicle structure.
Intersections can be especially dangerous when drivers enter without clear awareness of cross traffic. Even moderate-speed impacts can lead to loss of control, especially if a vehicle leaves the roadway and encounters uneven ground or ditches.
Rollover crashes often involve multiple points of impact, which can intensify injuries. Investigators typically examine intersection control, vehicle paths, and road conditions to determine how and why the sequence of events occurred.
