No Charges Planned in Fire Station Accident

Lower Saucon Township Police announced Thursday that criminal charges will not be filed in the accident that resulted in .

, who was driving on Leithsville Road (Route 412) in front of the fire station when a dump truck operated by Michael Thomas struck him.

That accident occurred after Thomas failed to stop at the stop sign at Leithsville and Flint Hill roads.

After it was struck Muzyka's vehicle was pushed into the fire station building, where a large fire erupted, destroying fire company vehicles and equipment.

Thomas survived the accident, but reportedly suffered serious burns.

In addition to Thomas, the owner of the dump truck he was operating, William Kunsman & Sons Paving and Sealcoating of Bethlehem, has been cleared of criminal liability, according to the press release issued by township police.

The release referred additional questions to the Northampton County District Attorney's Office, which assisted in the seven-month investigation into the accident.

According to the Express-Times, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said investigators concluded that the accident occurred because the truck's brakes failed.

Since its fire station was destroyed, Leithsville Fire Company has formally merged with Se-Wy-Co Fire Company, also of Lower Saucon Township. .

Se-Wy-Co Fire Chief Thomas Barndt announced at the Dec. 5 Lower Saucon Township Council meeting that the Leithsville Fire Station will be rebuilt.

Se-Wy-Co Fire Company "will have two stations," he said, adding that he expects the rebuilding of the Leithsville station to commence in the spring.

Since shortly after the accident, donations have been collected for the reconstruction.