Thursday’s North Pennsylvania Avenue collision claims one life as investigators work to piece together what caused the fatal impact

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — What should have been an ordinary Thursday afternoon turned tragic when a sport utility vehicle careened into a parked commercial tractor-trailer along North Pennsylvania Avenue, killing the driver and critically injuring her sister.

The victim, identified by the Luzerne County Coroner’s Office as 57-year-old Annette Kostelnick of Wilkes-Barre, succumbed to her injuries at the crash site. Emergency responders arrived to find the SUV had struck the rear of the semi-truck, which had been legally stationed outside a commercial property on the heavily-traveled corridor.

Kostelnick’s sister, who occupied the passenger seat at the time of impact, survived the collision and was immediately rushed to a nearby medical facility by ambulance. Hospital officials have not released information regarding the severity of her injuries, and her identity remains undisclosed pending family notification.

Scene Investigation Underway

The violent collision brought North Pennsylvania Avenue to a standstill Thursday afternoon as Wilkes-Barre Police officers secured the crash perimeter and launched their investigation. Coroner’s office personnel worked alongside traffic reconstruction specialists to document every detail of the scene, from skid marks to vehicle positioning, searching for clues about what preceded the deadly impact.

“We’re examining all possible factors,” said a law enforcement source familiar with the investigation who requested anonymity because the probe remains active. “Everything from driver distraction to potential medical emergencies is being considered as we work to understand how this happened.”

The parked semi-truck’s driver was not present in the vehicle at the time of the collision and was unharmed. The truck, which belongs to a regional freight company, sustained substantial rear-end damage but remained upright following the crash.

Witnesses Describe Chaotic Scene

Witnesses reported seeing emergency vehicles converge on the location around 4:15 p.m., with police cruisers, fire trucks, and ambulances creating a dramatic scene along the busy commercial strip. Investigators cordoned off multiple lanes, rerouting rush-hour traffic through surrounding streets and creating significant delays that persisted into the early evening hours.

“I heard this incredibly loud bang and looked out to see the SUV crumpled against the back of that truck,” said Marcus Williams, a manager at a nearby business who witnessed the aftermath. “People came running out from everywhere trying to help. It was just awful.”

The Luzerne County Coroner’s Office has scheduled an autopsy to determine Kostelnick’s official cause of death and whether any underlying medical conditions may have contributed to the crash. Toxicology results, which could reveal whether drugs or alcohol played a role, typically take several weeks to complete.

Rising Traffic Deaths in Luzerne County

Thursday’s fatality adds to a troubling pattern emerging across Luzerne County, where traffic deaths have climbed steadily throughout 2025. Local safety advocates have pointed to distracted driving, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and increasing traffic volumes as contributing factors to the region’s worsening roadway safety record.

North Pennsylvania Avenue, which connects Wilkes-Barre’s downtown core to northern neighborhoods and serves as a vital commercial artery, has experienced multiple serious accidents over the past 18 months. City officials have previously discussed potential safety improvements for the corridor, though no concrete plans have been implemented.

The investigation remains open, with detectives continuing to interview potential witnesses and analyze physical evidence collected from the scene. No citations have been issued, and authorities emphasize that determining fault in such cases requires careful analysis of all available information.

Family members of Kostelnick have not yet released a statement, though neighbors described her as a longtime Wilkes-Barre resident known for her kindness and community involvement.

The crash serves as a somber reminder of how quickly routine travel can turn catastrophic. As investigators work to unravel what went wrong on North Pennsylvania Avenue, a family mourns the loss of a loved one and waits anxiously for word on another’s recovery.

Anyone who may have observed the collision or events leading up to it is encouraged to contact Wilkes-Barre Police Department investigators at 570-208-4200. Even seemingly minor details could prove crucial to understanding the full sequence of events.