Man dies when car crashes into tree during storm

Emergency crews respond after a car crashed into a tree during a storm at the corner of Pembroke Road and Washington Avenue in Bethlehem on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. (Rich Rolen/The Morning Call)

A Northampton County man died Wednesday night when a car crashed into a tree during a storm in Bethlehem.

In a news release, city police said a vehicle traveling east on Pembroke Road struck a tree near the intersection with East Washington Avenue around 8 p.m. Witnesses told authorities the vehicle appeared to lose control and veer off the road before striking the tree.

The driver, Johny Roustic, 51, of East Allen Township, was taken to St. Luke’s University Hospital, where he died of his injuries around 9 p.m., according to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio. A passenger in the vehicle, a 29-year-old man, was taken to the hospital with what police believe to be minor injuries.

A storm was underway in the area at the time of the accident. Police said wet road conditions may have contributed to the accident.

Buglio said Roustic’s death was the result of multiple blunt force trauma injuries.

Anyone with information about the accident is asked to contact police at 610-865-7000.