(Credit: Facebook)
DNA testing and dental records were used to identify the husband and wife, due to the severity of burns in the crash.
The two victims of the deadly, fiery crash involving two Teslas in Bedminster Township last month have been identified as a husband and wife from Bridgeton Township, Bucks County.
According to the Bucks County Coroner’s Office, the victims were identified as Gerald Lapat, 75, and Deborah Yacovella, 79, of Upper Black Eddy.
Their family will host a memorial luncheon for friends and family on Friday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Joseph Ambler Inn, 1005 Horsham Road, North Wales, Montgomery Township.
Per the coroner’s office, DNA testing was needed to identify Yacovella and dental records were used to identify Lapat, due to the severity of burns on both victims following the crash. Lapat was driving the car, authorities said.
Nick Virnelson, Bedminster Township’s interim police chief, told Bucks County Courier Times that the intensity of the fire was due to the Tesla’s batteries in both vehicles.
On Friday, Nov. 15 at 11:29 a.m., Bedminster Police were called to Specialty Products & Services Inc., a division of Aviation and Marine specialty products, at 6626 Easton Road in the Pipersville section of the township for a reported traffic collision.
By James Short One Tesla, police said, left the roadway for an unknown reason and crashed into the unoccupied parked Tesla that was charging outside the business. One of the vehicles struck the building, causing damage, police said.
"The Bedminster Township Police Department extends its deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of the individuals involved in this heartbreaking incident," police said the evening of the crash.
Bedminster Township Police were assisted at the scene by Tinicum Police, Plumsteadville Volunteer Fire Company, Palisades Regional Fire, Point Pleasant Fire Co., Doylestown Fire Company, Hilltown Township Volunteer Fire Company, Sellersville Fire Department, Perkasie Fire Co., Dublin Fire Co., and Chalfont Fire. Point Pleasant EMS also responded to the scene, as well as the Montgomery County Coroner's Office.
More than 8,000 gallons of water were used to extinguish the violent blaze.
Yacovella was a Central Bucks High School West graduate and worked at Merck & Co. for 17 years, leaving in 2014.
Lapat, known as Jerry, was an artist who studied illustration at the University of the Arts, graduating in 1973. He was an alum of Northeast High School in Philadelphia.
Family asks friends and family to donate to Bucks County SPCA or an animal shelter of their choosing in memory of Yacovella and Lapat.
