NEW GARDEN — Three people are dead after a crash early Friday that ended a Pennsylvania State Police chase for more than 3 miles from Avondale into New Garden Township in southern Chester County.
“It is a tragedy,” said Avondale Mayor Susan Rzucidlo. “Lives were lost. We send our condolences to the families. It is heartbreaking.”
The fleeing driver crashed into a barren tree on Route 41 just past Sunny Dell Road. No police officers were hurt.
The crash took place less than 2 miles from the Delaware state line.
According to state police, at 1:21 a.m. troopers from the Avondale station in London Grove Township attempted a traffic stop on a vehicle. Troopers had observed a vehicle whose driver was making multiple traffic violations around East Third Street and Garner Drive in Avondale.
Police said when the vehicle failed to stop, a pursuit ensued. The chase proceeded through the borough, turning southbound on Route 41, also known as Pennsylvania Avenue in Avondale, over train tracks where Old Baltimore Pike meets Route 41, and farther southbound on Route 41 into New Garden Township.
After approximately 3.3 miles in pursuit, troopers witnessed the vehicle crash into the tree, according to local officials.
State police said the Troop J Major Case Team was activated and is investigating.
It was unclear if investigators had identified the occupants of the vehicle and notified their families.
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