An elderly couple was killed Monday morning in a single-vehicle crash on Route 23, just east of Churchtown, officials said.

Paul and Josephine Faithful, each 86, died when the car they were in went into a ditch and struck a large piece of concrete about 10:30 a.m. in Caernarvon Township.

State police are investigating what caused Josephine Faithful, who was driving, to suddenly veer off the road.

An autopsy scheduled for this morning may provide some answers, according to officials. Tests for pre-existing medical conditions will be performed, Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni said.

"Certainly, we'll explore all possibilities," he said. Certain tests will "determine any disease of the cardiovascular or (nervous) systems which may have contributed to or caused the crash."

The couple lived in Douglassville, Berks County. They were likely killed immediately in the violent crash, officials said.

The westbound Ford Taurus flipped twice, end over end, before landing on its roof, according to state police Trooper Caleb Semsel.

"I think death occurred quickly for the couple," Diamantoni said.

Deputy Coroner Tina McKain pronounced both occupants dead at the scene of the crash while they were still inside the Ford.

Assistant District Attorney Todd E. Brown, who handles the criminal side of the county's major car wrecks, was contacted in this case. Officials said they don't foresee any charges.

The Faithfuls were the 15th and 16th motorists to die on Lancaster County roads this year — a drastic decrease from the 25 who died here by this time last year.

Caernarvon and Twin Valley firefighters assisted at the scene just east of Maxwells Hill Road, near the Berks County line. Elverson EMS personnel also responded.

E-mail: bhambright@lnpnews.com