CASS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A Pennsylvania state trooper was hit and killed by a commercial vehicle along a highway in Schuylkill County.
State police said the trooper was conducting a commercial vehicle safety inspection on Wednesday morning along I-81 in Cass Township.
While inspecting the vehicle, state police said the trooper was hit by another passing commercial vehicle. After hitting the trooper, the same vehicle struck the vehicle that was being inspected.
The vehicle that hit the trooper and the other commercial vehicle then caught fire. The driver was taken to a hospital.
The trooper, identified as Michael Pahira, died of his injuries.
I-81 remains closed while an investigation is underway.
Governor Josh Shapiro, in accordance with the United States Flag Code, has ordered all Commonwealth and United States flags on Commonwealth facilities, public buildings, and grounds across Pennsylvania to fly at half-staff immediately to honor Trooper Pahira.
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