EDSMAC4 simulations revealed the northbound Chrysler van was traveling about 45 mph when it struck the rear of the Suzuki, setting off the chain reaction collision that followed. As a result, the VW Jetta was pushed into the intersection at a speed of about 14 mph and struck the right side of the trailer. The pickup/trailer was traveling about 45 mph at impact. The force of the collision caused the trailer to swing out, causing the pickup/trailer to come to rest on the eastbound sidewalk.
The vehicle sustaining the most severe crash was the Suzuki. Its occupants experienced a 28 mph delta-V (180 degree PDOF) and 32 g forward acceleration.