Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania
End of Watch: Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Trooper First Class Michael Pahira was struck and killed by a commercial vehicle while conducting a vehicle safety inspection on Interstate Highway 81 in Cass Township.
At 7:00 a.m., Trooper Pahira was in the southbound lanes near exit 119 inspecting a commercial vehicle when a tractor-trailer struck his patrol vehicle and slammed into the inspected vehicle. Due to the speed of the tractor-trailer, the force pushed the commercial vehicle into the side of the road and trapped Trooper Pahira under the vehicle. The tractor-trailer then caught fire.
Trooper Pahira was transported to the hospital, but succumbed to his injuries 90 minutes later.
The driver, in the country illegally, of the tractor-trailer was injured and transported to a local hospital. He was charged with homicide by vehicle, involuntary manslaughter, and reckless driving.
Trooper Pahira had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for less than 20 years and was assigned to Troop L in Frackville. Survivors include his parents and sister.