Maintenance worker struck, killed on Pa. Turnpike

WEST PIKELAND TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- A maintenance worker was struck and killed by a tractor-trailer on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Chester County.

It happened around 8:00 a.m. Sunday morning.

Crews had blocked the right westbound lane between mileposts 314 and 316, two miles away from the Downingtown Interchange, for required maintenance.

State police say 61-year-old William McGuigan and Steve Rudzik, both Turnpike employees, were both struck by a tractor-trailer that drove into the closed lanes.

McGuigan was pronounced dead while Rudzik was treated and released from Paoli Hospital.

The driver of the tractor-trailer was also treated at a local hospital.

The Turnpike westbound from Valley Forge to Downingtown was closed until 4:30 p.m. as the scene was cleared.

Turnpike officials say McGuigan was an equipment operator employed who has worked for them since April 2005.

Turnpike Chairman William K. Lieberman said he and the other Turnpike commissioners were deeply saddened by the tragedy.

"On behalf of my fellow Turnpike commissioners and CEO Mark Compton, I join Gov. Corbett in offering our sincerest condolences to Bill's family, friends and coworkers in this time of sorrow," Lieberman said. "Such a tragedy underscores the importance of exercising extreme caution when driving through any highway maintenance or construction zone."

Meanwhile, the accident remains under investigation.