Lehigh teen killed in crash Saturday

A Lehigh Valley teenager was killed and his passenger injured in a one-vehicle crash early Saturday morning. State police at Fogelsville said the accident occurred in the area of 6724 Tollgate Rd., in Upper Milford Township, about 5:45 a.m.

The deceased was identified by the county coroner's office as Matthew Hoffman, 16, of Emmaus. His passenger was a 14-year-old female, who was not identified by troopers.

According to troopers Hoffman was driving a 2004 Jeep Liberty southbound at a high rate speed as it came over a crest of a hill. After going over the crest Hoffman lost control and struck a telephone pole along the eastbound shoulder.

The front passenger side panel of the vehicle impacted with the pole causing the Jeep to overturn. Hoffman and the female were ejected from the vehicle. The Jeep then was engulfed in flames. Hoffman and the female were not wearing seat belts, troopers said.

Hoffman was pronounced dead at the scene. The female was taken by ambulance to the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township, for treatment of what troopers said were moderate injuries.

The road was closed for a period of time until the pole was removed.