Pennsylvania troopers killed in crash near Philadelphia ID’d, police describe investigation as ‘DUI-related’

Two Pennsylvania state troopers, who had been killed when a driver struck them alongside I-95 close to Philadelphia early Monday whereas they had been serving to a civilian, have been recognized.

Trooper Branden T. Sisca, 29, and Trooper Martin F. Mack III, 33, had been struck and killed within the southbound lanes of I-95 at about 12:40 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police mentioned. 

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The male pedestrian they had been serving to was additionally struck and killed. Police mentioned they had been withholding his identification pending the notification of his subsequent of kin.

“Our division is heartbroken with the tragedy that occurred early this morning in Philadelphia,” mentioned Col. Robert Evanchick. “We ask our fellow Pennsylvanians to maintain the households of our troopers and the pedestrian of their ideas. That is an especially troublesome time.”

Sisca and Mack had been responding to experiences of a person strolling alongside the left lane on I-95 south, authorities mentioned. Because the troopers had been trying to take the person into custody and assist him into the again of their cruiser, a feminine driver in an SUV struck all three males and the patrol automotive.

The affect of the driving force hanging the troopers was so nice that it despatched them over the median and into the northbound lanes, authorities mentioned.
(FOX29 Philadelphia WTXF)

The pressure of affect was so nice that it threw the troopers over into the northbound lanes of I-95, authorities mentioned.

The wrecked patrol SUV and particles scattered throughout the roadway had been seen on footage taken by FOX29 Philadelphia.

Whereas authorities haven’t launched the identification of the driving force, they described the investigation into the crash as “DUI-related” throughout a press convention Monday morning. Authorities mentioned she had remained on the scene after the crash.

Martin enlisted within the Pennsylvania State Police in 2014. Sisca enlisted final February. Each troopers spent their total careers assigned to the Patrol Part of Troop Okay, serving the Philadelphia space.

Sisca additionally served as fireplace chief of Trappe Hearth Firm No. 1 in Montgomery County, FOX29 Philadelphia reported.

Gov. Tom Wolf ordered flags flown at half-staff to honor Sisca and Martin.

“It is a heartbreaking tragedy that occurred whereas these troopers had been defending and serving,” the Democrat mentioned in a written assertion. “This mournful incident is a stark reminder of the dangers—and sacrifices—our legislation enforcement officers undertake day-after-day to maintain us protected. My coronary heart goes out to their households and the communities they lived in and served.”

The Philadelphia Police Division additionally tweeted its condolences following the deaths of the troopers and civilian.

“The Philadelphia Police Division extends its sincerest condolences to our brothers and sisters of the @PAStatePolice, as properly the household of the civilian sufferer,” the division tweeted. “Could they relaxation in peace.”