A DUI investigation has been launched after the deaths of two troopers and a citizen in a car accident.
PHILADELPHIA (CSU) – Following the deaths of two Pennsylvania policemen and a citizen hit by a car on an expressway near Philadelphia early Monday, state police have begun a driving under the influence investigation.
Trooper Martin F. Mack III, 33, and Trooper Branden T. Sisca, 29, were hit and killed by a vehicle early Monday on I-95 south at milepost 18 in Philadelphia, according to Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner Robert Evanchick. At the same moment, a male pedestrian, who has not been recognised, was hit and killed.
Trappe Fire Company No. 1 issued a statement late Monday morning on Officer Sisca, who served as Trappe Fire Chief:
“Trappe Fire Company No. 1 announces the demise of Fire Chief Branden Sisca with tremendous grief and heavy hearts.” While serving as a Pennsylvania State Police trooper, Chief Sisca was sadly murdered in a car accident earlier today.”
After a male was observed strolling in the southbound lanes of I-95 near the sports stadiums in south Philadelphia, Troopers Mack III and Sisca were summoned.
Martin F. Mack III, Trooper
The troopers arrived at 12:45 a.m. Monday and were attempting to arrest the guy and escort him back to their vehicle when they were hit by another car “driving at a high rate of speed,” according to Capt. James Kemm.
“The force was so strong that it threw the troopers onto the northbound lanes of I-95,” Kemm added. The car wound up on the highway’s right-hand shoulder, and the driver stayed at the scene. Other troopers arrived and saw witnesses attempting to save the victims, who were declared dead at the scene, according to Kemm.
“Right now, we’re conducting an active DUI investigation,” Kemm said. The pedestrian’s identity will not be disclosed until his family have been notified.
Mack, 33, joined the army in November 2014 and has been stationed in Philadelphia since 2015. Sisca, 29, enrolled in February and graduated in August of last year.
The state police commissioner, Col. Robert Evanchick, said the troopers “made the ultimate sacrifice” by facing the risks of traffic at night on the busy roadway to save someone whose life was in jeopardy.
“These troopers embodied the essential ideals of our department: honour, service, integrity, respect, trust, bravery, and duty,” he stated. “… They both had promising futures ahead of them, and it kills me to learn of their tragic deaths.”
Both troopers were organ donors, according to the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, and their organs were given to the Gift of Life Program.
In their respect, Gov. Tom Wolf ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff until Friday, calling it “a very sad day for Pennsylvania.” He described it as a reminder of state troopers’ gallantry, saying they “put their lives on the line for all of us every day.”
Follow us on Twitter
Also, Read Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives
