Cops: Driver 'Dozed Off' Before 'Horrific' Crash In Berks County That Killed 2, Injured 9

By Steve Beck

MAIDENCREEK TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) -- The driver of a tractor-trailer fell asleep and was traveling at a high rate of speed before he slammed into several cars in Berks County Wednesday, killing two and injuring nine, police said.

The crash happened along Route 222 (Allentown Pike) in Maidencreek Township.

According to Berks County District Attorney John T. Adams, 50-year-old Steven Bernier, of Reading, Pa., dozed off at the wheel of the tractor-trailer he was driving and crashed into several cars before pinning three cars against the metal sign of a Dunkin' Donuts.

Two people in cars that were pinned against the sign were killed and nine others were injured. According to Adams, the nine injured are being treated at local hospitals, but he said, at this time, their injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Adams said Bernier is facing a long list of charges that includes two counts of Homicide by Vehicle, two counts of Involuntary Manslaughter and nine counts of Aggravated Assault while Driving. Adams said Bernier began his shift at 1:30 a.m. and was also driving too fast for conditions.

Adams said Bernier submitted to a blood test, but said there was no initial reason to believe Bernier was intoxicated. Adams said a test will be done to check for possible drugs in his system.

Bernier was not injured and is in police custody. He was arraigned Wednesday night.

Adams said the deadly crash was caught on the Dunkin Donuts' surveillance cameras and it was "difficult" to watch.

The two people killed have been identified as 23-year-old Jeremy Augustine, of Emmaus, and Jane Harakal, 32, of Topton, Pa. Both were riding in separate cars.

The deadly crash remains under investigation.

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