PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Three people, including two Pennsylvania State troopers, were killed on I-95 in South Philadelphia early Monday morning.
Around 12:45 a.m., investigators say Pennsylvania State Police responded to a report that a man was walking along the highway, near the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.
Two state troopers got to the southbound lanes and pulled over, leaving their lights flashing. They were in the process of getting the man into their car when, police say, a driver sped down the shoulder and hit all three of them, sending their bodies flying over to the other side of I-95.
They were pronounced dead on the scene.
The troopers were identified as 33-year-old Martin Mack III and 29-year-old Branden Sisca. Mack had been with Troop K since November 2014, and Sisca since February of last year.
Sisca, a graduate of Perkiomen Valley High School, was also the chief of the Trappe Fire Company, a volunteer fire department in Montgomery County. He was promoted to chief in January.
Investigators say the driver who hit them stopped and waited as Philadelphia and state police responded. There’s no word yet on charges. Authorities said an investigation is underway and is DUI-related.
The victims were taken away in a procession early Monday morning. Authorities have not yet released the name of the other man who died.
I-95 was closed in both directions between Broad Street and the Walt Whitman Bridge for roughly eight hours but finally reopened shortly after 9 a.m.
“They braved traffic along the busy interstate to assist a citizen whose own life was in danger as he attempted to walk along the interstate roadway at night,” said State Police Commissioner Col. Robert Evanchick. “There’s no greater act of selflessness.”
Gov. Tom Wolf attended a press conference Monday morning, adding, “It’s a reminder for the state troopers what a heroic thing they do for us each and every day. They lay their lives on the line for us, every day.”
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism