DRAVOSBURG, PA – Two men have been arrested following a fatal collision involving a school van in Dravosburg. The incident occurred at 7:25 AM on September 20, at the intersection of Richland Avenue and 3rd Street.
Responders found a two-vehicle crash involving a school van and a Volkswagen Jetta GTI. The van carried four juveniles and an adult driver. Samantha Kalkbrenner, 15, was pronounced dead at the scene, three juveniles were hospitalized in stable condition, and the van’s driver is in critical condition.
Allegheny County Police’s Homicide and Collision Reconstruction Units investigated, using multiple videos and witness statements. Evidence suggests the Volkswagen, driven by William Soliday II, 43, and a Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Andrew Voigt, 37, were racing and speeding before the crash. The Volkswagen’s Event Data Recorder showed speeds exceeding 100 mph, impacting the van at 90 mph.
Soliday faces charges including 3rd degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, and homicide by vehicle. Voigt is charged with accidents involving death/personal injury and multiple misdemeanors. Both were taken into custody on December 13 and await a preliminary arraignment at Allegheny County Jail.