Authorities in Lancaster County continue to investigate a fatal early morning crash that claimed the life of a 20-year-old woman after two vehicles entered the Susquehanna River, while police work to identify three individuals who were captured on surveillance video leaving the area following the incident.
The victim has been identified as Saige Zink, a resident of Columbia. According to the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office, an autopsy confirmed that Zink died from freshwater drowning, and her manner of death has been ruled accidental.
The fatal crash occurred at approximately 2:25 a.m. Thursday in the 1900 block of Water Street in Manor Township, Lancaster County. Investigators said a white BMW SUV and a blue Chrysler sedan were traveling at a high rate of speed before both vehicles left the roadway and plunged into the Susquehanna River.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 5:14 a.m., after the submerged vehicles were discovered overturned in the water. Rescue personnel responded alongside law enforcement officers and the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office, but Zink could not be saved.
Following the recovery operation, the Lancaster County Coroner’s Office conducted an autopsy, confirming that the 20-year-old died as a result of freshwater drowning. Officials have stated that her death was accidental.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Manor Township police have released information indicating that three unidentified individuals were captured on surveillance footage walking away from the area after the crash. Investigators have not publicly identified the individuals or disclosed what, if any, connection they may have to the incident. Police are working to determine their identities and are seeking to speak with them as part of the investigation.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances that led to the vehicles entering the river, and it remains unclear what role, if any, speed or other contributing factors may have played. Crash reconstruction specialists continue to examine physical evidence, surveillance footage, and witness statements as they work to establish the sequence of events.
Manor Township police are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who has information that could assist investigators—including surveillance or dashboard camera footage from the area during the early morning hours—to contact the department at 717-299-5231.
The investigation into the fatal crash remains active, and authorities have indicated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.
