As previously reported, the Southern Regional Police Department is investigating a fatal crash which occurred Sat. 1/16/16 at approx. 7:30 P.M. in the 2100 Blk. of Millersville Rd. (Route 741) in Pequea Twp.  The identities of the parties involved are as follows:

Benjamin Manotti, 38 from the 2300 Blk. of Columbia Ave. in Lancaster was operating a 1997 Chevy Blazer west bound on Route 741. 
Gregory Pizarro, 33 from the 700 Blk. of Marticville Rd. in Pequea was operating a 2001 Ford Taurus east bound on Route 741.

Just west of Bean Rd. the vehicles collided head on.  Manotti was extricated from his vehicle by the Fire Company and transported to LGH by EMS.  He remains at LGH  Pizarro was also trapped in his vehicle, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The roadway was closed for approx. 5 hours while the scene was investigated. The accident remains under investigation and anyone with any information is asked to contact Cpl. John Michener at the SRPD at 872-0352, or michenej@police.co.lancaster.pa.us  Anonymous tips may also be left at www.SLCRPD.org  

**Special recognition is in order for actions taken by a passing truck driver employed by Advantage Tank Lines out of Harrisburg PA.  James Cooper, from Enola came upon the accident just after it happened.  He ran to the vehicles to help and found a fire starting in Manotti's overturned vehicle.  Manotti was still trapped in the vehicle and could not get out.  Mr. Cooper ran back to his tractor trailer, obtained a fire extinguisher and despite gasoline and other fluids leaking from the vehicles, ran back to the vehicles and was able to put the fire out prior to fire company arrival.  This action likely saved Mr. Manotti's life. 

Volunteers from the following Fire Companies responded: New Danville, West Willow, Willow Street, Lancaster Township and Conestoga.  EMS from Susquehanna Valley EMS and Lancaster EMS also responded.  

We would also like to thank the volunteer Fire Police and Firefighters who gave up their Saturday night at home to assist us with traffic control, scene lighting and other functions.  We can not thank them enough for their help and what they do for our community.

Any media related questions should be directed to Cpl. Michener at the above contact info.