 |
|
| NEWS RELEASE | |||||
|
|||||
| Investigation Continues into Fatal Incident Involving Pa. Turnpike Worker Pa. Turnpike now reopened westbound from Valley Forge to Downingtown. |
|||||
| HARRISBURG, PA. (June 1, 2014) -- Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission CEO Mark Compton said state police continue to investigate an incident that resulted in the death of William F. McGuigan, age 61, of Ardsley, Pa. (near Glenside, Pa.). McGuigan was an equipment operator employed by the commission. He joined the Turnpike in April, 2005. The incident occurred today in West Pikeland Township, Chester County, shortly after 8 a.m. on the westbound Pa. Turnpike at milepost 314 -- about two miles east of the Downingtown Interchange (Exit #312). Turnpike crews had earlier closed the westbound right lane between mileposts 314 and 316 for required maintenance work; a tractor trailer apparently entered the closed lane, striking two employees. The other Turnpike employee, Maintenance Foreman Steve Rudzik, sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from Paoli Hospital. 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." The driver of the commercial truck was also transported by EMS to a local hospital. The westbound Turnpike had been closed since approximately 8:30 a.m. between Valley Forge (Exit #326) and Downingtown for incident response and cleanup and to allow state police to conduct the investigation. The stretch of Turnpike was reopened around 4:30 p.m. |
|||||
|
###
|
|||||