RICHMOND TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The community of Lancaster County and beyond is grieving an unimaginable tragedy after a devastating multi-vehicle crash on Route 222 north claimed the lives of 19-year-old Shanelle Aviles and a young child early Monday evening near the Kutztown Road overpass in Richmond Township. The heartbreaking collision has left families shattered, friends in disbelief, and the entire region mourning the loss of two bright young lives taken far too soon.
According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the crash occurred around 6:15 p.m. when multiple vehicles collided in the northbound lanes of Route 222 during heavy evening traffic. Investigators believe the chain-reaction crash began when a vehicle traveling at high speed lost control, setting off a series of impacts involving at least three other cars. The collision left several vehicles mangled across the roadway, forcing the temporary closure of the highway for several hours as emergency crews worked tirelessly to assist victims and clear the scene.
First responders from Fleetwood Fire Company, Topton Fire Company, and Kutztown EMS arrived within minutes. Tragically, Shanelle Aviles, a passenger in one of the vehicles, was pronounced dead at the scene due to her injuries. A young child, who was in another vehicle, was also fatally injured and later pronounced deceased after being transported to a nearby hospital. Several others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, though the emotional impact of the crash has been profound.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the child pending family notification. The Pennsylvania State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit is leading the investigation, working to determine the exact cause of the incident and whether excessive speed, distraction, or other factors played a role.
Family and friends describe Shanelle Aviles as a radiant young woman with a kind heart and a promising future. A graduate of McCaskey High School, Shanelle was known for her infectious smile, warm spirit, and deep love for her family. She was attending community college with dreams of pursuing a career in healthcare, motivated by a strong desire to help others.
“Shanelle was a beautiful soul with so much life ahead of her,” said her cousin, Maria Aviles, holding back tears. “She had this energy that made everyone around her feel seen and loved. We can’t believe she’s gone.”
Friends and classmates flooded social media with tributes, sharing photos, heartfelt memories, and messages of disbelief. One post read:
“You never think something like this can happen to someone you know. Shanelle was the kindest person, always smiling. Heaven gained an angel.”
As the investigation continues, Route 222 northbound has since reopened, but the marks of the tragedy remain visible — shattered glass and tire tracks serving as grim reminders of the lives lost. The Berks County Coroner’s Office confirmed both fatalities and stated that autopsies are scheduled later this week.
Community members are rallying around the Aviles family and the family of the young child, organizing a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral and memorial expenses. Local churches in Lancaster and Berks Counties are also offering grief counseling and support for those affected.
Richmond Township Police Chief Mark Arbogast expressed his condolences in a statement Monday night, saying:
“This is a heartbreaking loss for our community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims as we continue to investigate this tragic event.”
A candlelight vigil for Shanelle Aviles and the young child is scheduled for Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. at Kutztown Park, where loved ones will gather to honor their memory, share stories, and light candles in their names.
What was meant to be an ordinary Monday evening turned into a scene of heartbreak and loss that will linger in the hearts of all who knew Shanelle and the young child. As families grieve and investigators search for answers, the community remains united in sorrow — remembering two precious lives gone far too soon, but never forgotten.
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