An unlicensed New York state driver was the cause of a fatal accident that occurred Saturday morning in Lehigh County. State police at Fogelsville said the crash also resulted in injuries to seven people, two juveniles sustaining life-threatening injuries. Troopers said the crash occurred about 8 a.m. in the westbound lanes of Interstate 78 in Allentown.

Troopers said James Augustus York, 52, of Brooklyn, was operating a 2007 Ford Econoline van in reverse in an east direction along the north berm of the westbound side.Troopers said Augustus failed to keep the van on the berm and it was struck in the right left rear by a 2005 International truck-tractor operated by Yaroslav Savchuk, 43, of Matthews, N.C. Upon impact the van traveled north while spinning counter-clockwise and the right rear struck the north guardrail. Three occupants in the van were ejected.Killed in the crash was Valisca Lynch Jeremiah, 24, also of Brooklyn. Injured were Jenelle Rennea Collis, 25, and Mareshah Oscar Jeremiah, 23, and four juveniles, ages 14, 13, nine and seven. The 13-year-old is a female, the rest males, all from Brooklyn. All were taken to the Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.An investigation revealed that York did not have a license. He was charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, accident involving death while not properly licensed, recklessly endangering and numerous motor vehicle code violations.The investigation into the cash is continuing. Troopers said the busy interestate was closed for about eight hours.