2 troopers killed in crash on I-95 in South Philadelphia identified
The state troopers have been identified as 33-year-old Martin F. Mack III and 29-year-old Branden T. Sisca.
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Two Pennsylvania state troopers and a pedestrian were killed in a crash early Monday morning on Interstate 95 in South Philadelphia.
The state troopers have been identified as 33-year-old Martin F. Mack III and 29-year-old Branden T. Sisca.
Trooper Mack had been on the force since November 2014. Trooper Sisca had been on the force since February 2021.
The identity of the pedestrian has not been released at this time as state police are still attempting to contact next of kin.
Crash Investigation
It happened shortly before 1 a.m. on I-95 southbound in the area of milepost 18 near the Stadium Complex, just north of Broad Street.
According to state police, the troopers were responding to reports of a man walking along I-95 south.
Authorities say as the troopers were helping the man into the back of their cruiser, a female driver attempted to drive past the scene at a high rate of speed.
State police say she fatally struck the two troopers and the male pedestrian, as well as the cruiser.
According to police, the impact was so great it threw the troopers into the northbound lanes of I-95.
The driver of the striking vehicle remained at the scene. State police say they are conducting an investigation that is DUI-related. No charges have been filed at this time.
Chopper 6 over I-95 showed the patrol car severely damaged with its airbags deployed.
A second damaged vehicle, a silver Chevy, could also be seen at the site.
State police dispatch tried to contact the two state troopers, but when they did not get a response they sent backup.
When backup arrived, police spotted witnesses attempting CPR on Mack and Sisca. The troopers, however, were pronounced dead at the scene.
"Our department is heartbroken with the tragedy that occurred early this morning in Philadelphia," PSP Commissioner Robert Evanchick said in a statement. "We ask our fellow Pennsylvanians to keep the families of our troopers and the pedestrian in their thoughts. This is an extremely difficult time."
Trooper Mack was a graduate of the 141st cadet class. Trooper Sisca graduated as a member of the 161st cadet class.
Both troopers spent their entire careers assigned to the Patrol Section of Troop K, Philadelphia.
Trooper Sisca is the son of Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Deputy Craig Sisca, a 10-year veteran of the sheriff's office. Sisca was also a fire chief in Trappe, Montgomery County.
"Right now we ask that you give his family and the family at Trappe Fire Company time to process the loss of an incredible person. Keep all of them in your thoughts and prayers," Trappe Fire Company No. 1 said on its website.
Officials say Sisca was preparing to be a father.
"Our hearts go out to Branden and his family in particular. We are also grieving and send our prayers and thoughts of Trooper Mack," said Trappe Deputy Fire Chief John Bolger.
Just before 6 a.m., a police procession with at least 25 cruisers and motorcycles escorting the troopers' bodies made its way from the crash scene to the medical examiner's office.
The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association said both troopers were organ donors and have donated their organs to the Gift of Life Program.
WATCH: Police procession along I-95 after fatal crash
Governor Tom Wolf has ordered the Pennsylvania flag on all state facilities, public buildings, and grounds fly at half-staff to honor the troopers.
"This is a heartbreaking tragedy that occurred while these troopers were protecting and serving," said Gov. Wolf. "This mournful incident is a stark reminder of the risks - and sacrifices - our law enforcement officers undertake every day to keep us safe. My heart goes out to their families and the communities they lived in and served."
