A Pennsylvania State Police trooper was killed on Wednesday morning when, officials said, they were struck while doing a vehicle safety inspection along I-81 in Schuylkill County.
According to police, the incident happened at about 7 a.m., when the trooper — who officials did not immediately share further identifying information on — was conducting a safety inspection of a commercial vehicle along the southbound side of I-81 in Cass Township.
As the trooper was conducting the inspection, officials said, they were struck by a second commercial vehicle.
Also, officials said, after striking the trooper, the commercial vehicle continued on the hit the vehicle that the trooper was inspecting.
This collision ignited a fire that, police said, erupted in the commercial vehicle that was being inspected.
The driver of that vehicle suffered injuries in this incident and has been hospitalized, according to police.
Though, police did not immediately detail the severity of this individual’s injuries.
Following the crash, police said the trooper that was struck died of his injuries.
Police have closed portions of I-81 South as the incident remained under investigation on Wednesday.
Officials are expected to share more information on this incident on Wednesday afternoon.
NBC10 is working to learn more.