By Crash News Writer 
Richmond Township, PA (October 29, 2025) — A devastating multi-vehicle crash in Berks County left two people dead, including a young mother from Lancaster County and a toddler, following a violent series of collisions Tuesday on Route 222.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the crash occurred near the Kutztown Road overpass when a passenger vehicle traveling northbound veered across the grassy center median and collided head-on with an SUV. The impact forced the SUV into a spin, leading to a secondary collision with an oncoming tractor-trailer. The car involved then plunged over a bridge and landed on the roadway beneath.
Authorities confirmed that 19-year-old Shanelle Aviles of Lancaster County was killed in the crash, along with an 18-month-old child whose identity has not yet been released. Three of the four car occupants were ejected during the crash. The 27-year-old driver and a 7-year-old boy were seriously hurt.
Both the SUV driver and the tractor-trailer operator sustained only minor or no injuries. Route 222 was closed for several hours.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
This article is based on preliminary findings and statements from law enforcement. Updates will follow as the investigation develops. Learn more by reviewing our frequently asked questions in Pennsylvania.
- Authorities have identified Shanelle Aviles but have not yet released the name of the toddler pending next-of-kin notification.
- Toxicology reports and the potential for any citations or charges will be addressed as the investigation progresses.
- Road closures and traffic delays on Route 222 were significant, and drivers should refer to local alerts for real-time updates.
We urge all readers to stay informed with reliable updates and check out the accident resources in Pennsylvania available to those affected by tragedies like this.
This report is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. All information is gathered from public sources at the time of publication and may be updated. If you need guidance, seek out legal representation. See our disclaimer for details.
If you’ve been impacted by this fatal crash, do not delay in reaching out to a skilled Pennsylvania personal injury lawyer to help you through this difficult time.