A tragic accident on Interstate 95 early Wednesday morning claimed the life of 65-year-old Charles Lufkin of Levittown, leaving a community in mourning and a family facing an unimaginable loss.
The crash occurred at 4:58 a.m. near Mile Marker 37.8, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Investigators say that Lufkin’s 2008 Ford Fusion veered off course for reasons still under review, striking the concrete center barrier with catastrophic force.
The impact triggered a chain-reaction collision involving two other vehicles — a Volkswagen Jetta driven by a 43-year-old man from Camden, New Jersey, and a Nissan 350Z operated by a 68-year-old Philadelphia man.
Despite emergency response efforts, Lufkin did not survive the crash. The Bucks County Coroner’s Office confirmed his death at the scene. Toxicology tests have been ordered to help determine the official medical cause, though results may take several weeks.
Major Traffic Disruptions
The severity of the accident forced state troopers to shut down Interstate 95 in both directions at the crash site. For more than four hours, traffic was halted, with thousands of early morning commuters forced to reroute through side roads and alternate highways.
Crews worked steadily to clear debris, document the scene, and reopen the roadway to ensure safe travel. The closure added significant delays to an already congested morning rush, underscoring the far-reaching impact of the tragedy.
Remembering Charles Lufkin
News of Lufkin’s passing has left Levittown residents and his wider community heartbroken. Known as a kind and familiar face, Charles was someone who had built a lifetime of connections through his family, neighbors, and work. At 65, he still brought warmth and energy to those who knew him.
Friends and acquaintances describe him as steady and good-natured, a man who always greeted others with a smile and never hesitated to lend a hand. For his family, the loss is immeasurable — not only of a father, brother, or relative but of a source of comfort and support whose presence will be deeply missed in everyday life.
An Investigation Continues
Authorities continue to investigate the precise circumstances leading to the collision. It remains unclear whether a medical emergency, road conditions, or other factors contributed to the accident.
While the involvement of two additional vehicles could have resulted in more severe outcomes, officials have not reported any fatalities beyond Lufkin. Information regarding injuries to the other drivers has not yet been released.
A Community Mourns
In the aftermath of the crash, the Levittown community has come together to remember Charles Lufkin and to extend heartfelt condolences to his grieving family. His untimely death serves as a painful reminder of life’s fragility and the dangers present on the roadways, even in the early morning hours when traffic is light.
As investigators continue their work and his loved ones prepare to say their goodbyes, one thing remains certain: Charles Lufkin’s life and memory will not be forgotten.
