Pennsylvania trooper fatally struck while performing roadside commercial vehicle inspection on I-81

A Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) trooper was killed in the line of duty while performing a commercial vehicle inspection on Wednesday.

The crash occurred around 7 a.m. on July 1, 2026, on southbound I-81 at mile marker 119 in Cass Township, Pennsylvania.

A PSP trooper with Troop L was performing a roadside commercial vehicle inspection when they were struck by a second commercial vehicle.

After hitting the trooper, the second commercial vehicle struck the vehicle being inspected, causing a fire.

The trooper died from injuries sustained in the crash.

The commercial vehicle driver who was being inspected was hospitalized, according to the News-Item.

The incident is under investigation.