A 79-year-old Palmerton man was killed when the Chevrolet pickup he was driving struck Norma J’s Restaurant, 2717 Route 309, South Whitehall Township, around 12:35 p.m. March 27.

Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim said Norman Wisser, of 418 4 St., was pronounced dead by Lehigh County Deputy Coroner Jack Fliter at 1:03 p.m. March 27 at the scene of the crash.

Wisser died from multiple blunt force trauma, Grim said, adding he ruled the manner of death an accident.

According to South Whitehall Township police, officers were dispatched to the area of the restaurant for a report of a motor vehicle accident.

Upon their arrival, Wisser was found to be deceased, police say.

According to police, the pickup was southbound on Route 309 and at some point crossed over into the northbound lane of travel.

As the pickup did this, it sideswiped a Chevrolet Blazer and blue-colored Audi and then left the roadway.

The Blazer and Audi sustained minor damage and were driven from the scene.

The pickup then struck a utility pole, traveled through several front yards before striking a tree and continuing through the grass into a chain link fence before coming to rest against the restaurant.

No other injuries were reported, police say.

Police say there was some structural damage to the restaurant and it is unknown if the crash will affect its operation.

Route 309 was closed while PPL repaired the utility pole.

Tri-Clover, Greenawalds and Cetronia fire companies, along with Cetronia Ambulance Corps, PennDOT and PPL assisted at the scene.

Anyone who witnessed or has information pertaining to this crash is asked to contact South Whitehall Police Officer Joel Wischner at 610-398-0337.