"They hit head-on," Kane said.
Trooper Ed Asbury said police would be trying to answer "why" as part of their investigation. He said they would be looking at factors such as vehicle functions, intoxication and medical conditions.
"We'll take a look at skid marks to detect speed," Asbury said.
"The reconstructionist is on the way. We also have members of the forensic unit on their way," Kane said shortly after the crash occurred.
A man in tears walked hurriedly past reporters and told them something needs to be done to improve the intersection. He said there is an accident there weekly.
"Today, it just took my daughter's life," he said.
Maps of the area posted on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's website indicate 3,800 vehicles travel Mentzer Gap Road daily and 2,100 vehicles travel Tomstown Road daily. Neighbors say traffic volumes have increased significantly since PennDOT identified Tomstown Road as a detour around a bridge project on Pa. 997.
Quincy Township Supervisor Bob Gunder said traffic has increased "tenfold" since the detour went into effect June 14.
"Most of the people who come through here think Mentzer Gap is a racetrack," said Virginia Shirey, who lives nearby.
Anna Dingle's daughter and her daughter's two children were involved in a crash at the intersection a year ago.
"Luckily, she and the kids were OK ... (but) the kids are terrified to go through here now," said Dingle, who drives through the intersection often when she visits family members.
Traffic on Mentzer Gap Road is supposed to stop at stop signs, while Tomstown Road traffic can continue without stopping. Dingle said the only safety improvements were "Look Left-Right-Left" signs, one of which was knocked down and not replaced after her daughter's accident.
The "Look Left-Right-Left" signs and road markings were added by PennDOT at the supervisors' request, Gunder said.
Immediately after the accident, the supervisors called state Rep. Todd Rock, R-Franklin, for assistance getting some type of blinking lights installed throughout the detour period, he said.
"We're just sorry no one thought to do that proactively instead of reactively," Gunder said.
The supervisors also will talk to PennDOT about permanent options, he said.
