A brother and sister were killed and a driver was charged with DUI after a pickup truck and a minivan collided Saturday night in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
Thomas Muir, 25, of Media, Pennsylvania was arrested after his truck slammed into a minivan, killing two teenagers and injuring four other people, according to investigators.
Muir was driving a 2014 GMC Sierra pickup truck northbound on Route 100 in Uwchlan Township Saturday around 6:55 p.m.
At the same time, Paul Hannagan of Downingtown, Pennsylvania was traveling on North Ship Road and turning right onto Route 100. Hannagan's wife, two children, identified as Miles and Charlotte Hannagan, and two other adult family members were inside the van at the time.
As Hannagan turned right, the pickup truck slammed into the van, according to investigators.
The force of the collision tore the minivan open. Miles and Charlotte were ejected from the van even though they were wearing seatbelts. They were both found on the shoulder of the roadway and pronounced dead at the scene.
Paul Hannagan and his wife were seriously hurt in the crash and taken to the Paoli Hospital Intensive Care Unit. The other two family members were treated and released at Paoli Hospital.
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Several witnesses told police they spotted Muir driving erratically and at a high rate of speed swerving and making unsafe passing movements moments before the crash. They also said his truck struck the minivan from the rear at a high speed, causing the accident.
Muir was not injured in the crash. Police observed he smelled like alcohol, according to officials. Muir allegedly failed field sobriety tests and was taken to Chester County Hospital where his blood alcohol level was checked.
Muir was arrested and charged with two counts of Homicide by Vehicle While Driving Under the Influence, two counts of Homicide by Vehicle, two counts of Aggravated Assault, six counts of Recklessly Endangering Another Person and Driving Under the Influence.
Muir was arraigned with his bail set at $75,000 cash. He was remanded to the Chester County Prison pending a preliminary hearing.
Charlotte Hannagan, 18, was an 11th grade student at Downingtown High School West. Miles Hannagan, 19, was a graduate of Downingtown High as well as a second year commuting student at West Chester University majoring in chemistry-biology.
"Words cannot express the sadness that our school community is feeling at this time," a Downingtown High spokesperson wrote. "Our sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the Hannagan friends and family who are dealing with this horrific tragedy. DHS West will have grief counselors and support available for any student needing assistance in the days ahead."
Funeral information has not yet been released.
