One man was killed and five people were injured in a two-vehicle crash along Route 340 on Saturday morning, during a heavy rain.
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Fatal crash on Route 340
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Paul Cuzzupe, 46, of New Holland, suffered fatal injuries after his westbound Ford Pinto crossed the center line and hit a Buick LeSabre, traveling eastbound in Leacock Township, state police reported.
The driver of the sedan was Frank Kennel, 81, of Kinzers, with passengers Elsie King, 60, of Kinzers, and three children, ages 10, 12 and 17. All were wearing seat belts.
James Lingg, a deputy coroner, said that Kennel and the four passengers were trapped and had to be cut out of the car. They were taken to Lancaster General Hospital. Their injuries are minor, according to the state police report.
Cuzzupe was pronounced dead at the scene. He was not wearing a seat belt.
The point of impact was between the Pinto's passenger side and the Buick's front end and happened in the eastbound lane, police said, about 8:30 a.m. in the 3300 block of Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340), one mile west of Intercourse.
Several people from the surrounding farms came out to view the wreckage, which included the white sedan and the nearly unrecognizable Pinto.
The body of the Pinto was torn off its chassis, which was severely bent. Only two wheels remained in place.
Lingg said the standing water on the road was "unbelievable" at the time of the crash, and said hydroplaning could be the cause.
According to the coroner, Cuzzupe worked at American Speed Center of Lancaster, 1714 Lincoln Highway.
The investigation continues.
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Scott Prushinksi is the investigating officer.
Mandy Stoltzfus is a Sunday News staff writer. E-mail her at mstoltzfus@lnpnews.com.
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