Chesco man charged in crash that killed 2 passengers

A 19-year-old Chester County driver has been charged with causing the death of two teenage passengers in a two-vehicle crash in December.

Zachary J. McGehrin of West Caln Township was arraigned Thursday on charges that include homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, speeding and other traffic offenses. He was committed to Chester County Prison after failing to post $1 million cash bail, according to court records.

McGehrin was driving a Pontiac Sunfire east on West Kings Highway near Kylies Road at 10:01 a.m. Dec. 2 when it crossed the center lane, colliding head-on with a trash truck. His passengers - Victoria Lynne Garvin, 17, and John Joseph Sherman Jr., 18, both of West Caln Township - were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

The driver of the Charles R. Blosenski trash truck, Gene Bennett, 61, was not injured, police said. McGehrin was flown to Reading Hospital and Medical Center, where he was treated for serious injuries.

Police said none of the Pontiac's occupants was wearing a seat belt.

Magisterial District Judge Michael J. Cabry 3d scheduled a preliminary hearing for June 18.