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The most recent fatal crash happened in the 700 block of Central Boulevard in Bethlehem just before 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13. Ezequiel Hernandez-Cartagena, 20, of Allentown, has been identified as the passenger killed in the single-vehicle crash, according to the Lehigh County Coroner's Office, as Daily Voice previously reported.
This was a single-vehicle crash. The Honda Accord Hernandez-Cartagena was traveling north on Central Boulevard, following two other vehicles, the DA detailed in this new release. When the Honda attempted to pass the two other vehicles, it lost control, sliding along the passenger side into a telephone pole on the west side of the road.
As soon as the vehicle came to a stop the driver fled to the woods and has yet to be located by either Bethlehem or Allentown officers.
Officers responded to the report of a single-vehicle crash with injuries in the 700 block of Central Boulevard at 6:53 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, police said. When they arrived, officers found a vehicle severely damaged from striking a utility pole, but no one could be found in or around it, according to police.
Later, officers learned that Hernandez-Cartagena was taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital in a private vehicle where he was pronounced dead in the hospital at 8:05 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, the coroner's office said.
The cause of death was listed as "Blunt Force Injuries due to Motor Vehicle Collision," according to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio. The manner of death is "Accident."
Police are asking anyone with information regarding this crash to call them at 610-865-7000 or email them at BethlehemPolice@bethlehem-pa.gov. Anonymous information can be provided by calling their tip line at 610-691-6660.
Details about Ezequiel Hernandez-Cartagena's life weren't immediately available. His family is invited to that information with Daily Voice by emailing jpikora@dailyvoice.com.
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