What you need to know
- Two Pennsylvania state police troops and another person were killed Monday morning on I-95
- A driver attacked a trio trying to get around the scene when troops tried to pick up a pedestrian on I-95 in their car.
- I-95 is closed in both directions
Two Pennsylvania state police troops and another man were killed early Monday in a collision with a driver on Interstate 95 in southern Philadelphia.
State police say they were all attacked by a driver when officers tried to load a person walking on the highway into their patrol SUV.
The I-95 was closed in both directions between Broad Street and the Walt Whitman Bridge.
A sacred procession brought the bodies of two slain state troops through Central City. Miguel Martinez-Valle reports from NBC10.
The crash happened on the south lane of I-95 near Lincoln Financial Field at 12:40 a.m., state police said.
Philadelphia Police Traffic Officer Mike Staton said a woman who went to the scene tried to use the shoulder of the highway to get around when police got out of their car, in response to a man walking by.
The driver hit all three and threw them into the north lane of I-95, Staten said.
It is not known why the person walked on I-95.
The driver was standing at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
Randy Gillenhall of NBC10 reported that the wreckage of the crash was more detailed on I-95. Accident, investigation and closure have caused intermittent long traffic delays in both directions; Drivers should use the Broad Street, I-76 or Wine Street extension as an alternative.
Governor Tom Wolf released a statement Monday about the officers’ deaths, saying he and his wife Francis were praying for Pennsylvania State Police.
“France and I are deeply saddened by the unfortunate loss of these two state troops and the individual they helped,” the statement said.
“This tragedy is a reminder that our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day, and Pennsylvanians are grateful to the men and women who protect us and our communities.”
It is a growing story and will be updated.
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