Pennsylvania Trooper Killed in Interstate 81 Crash Involving Two Semitrucks

Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael E. , 44, was killed on July 1, 2026, while inspecting a semitruck on Interstate 81 in Cass Township, Schuylkill County, the New York Post reported. The crash occurred at approximately 7 a.m.

When a second semitruck veered off the roadway, struck Pahira’s side mirror, and collided with the first truck, causing both cabs to catch fire. Pahira’s patrol car was parked on the right shoulder with emergency lights activated. Construction workers nearby responded to the smoke and attempted to assist the pinned trooper.

Pahira was transported to a local hospital and pronounced dead. The second truck was driven by 33-year-old Michael Bon, a native of Haiti. Bon entered the United States through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in July 2024 as a U.S.

Customs and Border Protection parolee, according to CBS 21 reporting cited by the New York Post. He filed for Temporary Protected Status in October 2024; the application was denied. The Department of Homeland Security terminated his parole in June 2025 and issued a notice to leave the country.

Bon remained in the United States and resided in Brockton, Massachusetts. Bon obtained a non-domiciled commercial driver’s license from the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, first applying in March 2025 and renewing it in February 2026. He was injured in the crash, transported to a hospital, and arrested.

Bon has been charged with homicide by vehicle, recklessly endangering another person, involuntary manslaughter, and reckless driving. He was arraigned on $700,000 bail, and a DHS immigration detainer was lodged against him. Pahira enlisted with the Pennsylvania State Police in 2007.