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The fatal crash occurred at mile marker 62.6 at approximately 9:43 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14, according to PSP Trooper Joshua Hoerner.
Muhammad Shezal Ali, 19, of Harrisburg, died at the scene after being ejected from his 2009 Honda Civic, police said. Investigators determined the crash was caused by racing at high speeds between Ali’s Civic and a 2014 Hyundai Sonata.
Both vehicles were reportedly traveling at excessive speeds, passing other motorists when Ali attempted a lane change from the left to the right lane. He lost control of his Civic, which spun across all lanes of traffic and struck the Hyundai’s rear passenger side, authorities said.
The impact caused the Hyundai to spin 90 degrees and roll over multiple times before coming to rest on its roof off the left shoulder, police detailed. Meanwhile, Ali’s Civic continued an uncontrolled slide, struck a tree in the median, and ignited a fire after breaking apart. Witnesses pulled Ali from the vehicle area, but he succumbed to his injuries on-site.
The Hyundai’s driver, who has not been identified, sustained minor injuries and refused medical transport, according to the report.
The crash shut down I-81 southbound at mile marker 65, with traffic detoured at the Marysville/Enola exit. The roadway reopened at 3:35 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, police said.
Assisting agencies included East Pennsboro EMS, Life Lion EMS, Hampden Township EMS, Northeast Fire Department, East Pennsboro Fire Police, Cumberland County Coroner’s Office, and PSP’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Unit.
Muhammad Shezal Ali’s janaza will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024, at 11 a.m. at ISGH, according to his cousin.
His family is invited to share about his life by emailing jpikora@dailyvoice.com.
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