Montco Man Killed In PA Turnpike Crash In Lower Bucks

LOWER BUCKS COUNTY, PA —A Montgomery County man has been identified as the driver killed in a crash on the Pennsylvania Turnpike in Bensalem Township Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Marcus G. Pochettino, 38, of Lafayette Hill, Montgomery County, was the driver of the Volvo and died in the crash, according to the Bucks County Coroner's Office.

The Coroner's Office said the cause of death is pending.

State Police are investigating the cause of the fatal crash that happened when Pochettino's vehicle crashed and was trapped under a crane near the Route 1 interchange.

Bensalem Fire Rescue said just before arriving, Bucks County Fire Radio advised Battalion Chief 222 that the vehicle was on fire.

The crash happened around 3:39 p.m. Tuesday on the westbound Pennsylvania Turnpike near the Route 1 interchange at the construction site where the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is working on Phase II of its Route 1 Improvement Project.

The accident happened near Exit 351. The right lane of the turnpike and the westbound off-ramp at Exit 351 were temporarily closed after the crash.

State Police told Levittown Now that Pochettino was traveling at an “excessive rate of speed” when he attempted to pass the crane. He then lost control and slammed into the rear of it.

The Volvo was dragged after becoming lodged in the rear of the truck, state police said.

Engine 222 arrived on the scene and reported one vehicle underneath a crane well involved with a person trapped.

Engine 222 officer established Bensalem Command and placed 222’s, Engine 65, and Rescue 4 into service. Battalion 222 arrived at the location (assumed Bensalem Command) and reported the person trapped with all hands into service.