Local News
Elisa Plancarte Dies After Vehicle Crashes Into Building on Hampden Boulevard in Reading
READING, Pa. — A 38-year-old woman has died following a serious motor vehicle crash earlier this week in the City of Reading, according to the Berks County Coroner’s Office.
The victim has been identified as Elisa Laura Plancarte, a resident of Maidencreek Township.
Berks County Coroner Matthew J. Stitzel confirmed that his office was notified at 9:52 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, by medical staff at Tower Health/Reading Hospital that Plancarte had been pronounced deceased at 9:46 a.m.
Authorities say the crash occurred on Sunday, April 26, at approximately 2:10 a.m. A vehicle traveling along Hampden Boulevard struck a building located at 1820 Hampden Blvd., between Bern Street and College Avenue.
Plancarte was a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the collision and became trapped inside the wreckage due to the severity of the impact.
Emergency responders from the Reading Fire Department extricated her from the vehicle before she was transported by Reading EMS to the hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Despite continued care, Plancarte later succumbed to her injuries.
An autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday, April 30, at 9:00 a.m. at Tower Health/Reading Hospital.
The examination will be conducted by forensic pathologist Dr. Neil Hoffman to determine the official cause and manner of death.
The Berks County Coroner’s Office is continuing its investigation with assistance from the Reading Police Department.
Additional details may be released as the investigation progresses.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.