Driver Charged in Death of Pa. Turnpike Worker

Prosecutors say that suspect was illegally behind the wheel of a box truck when he struck a maintenance vehicle

Authorities say a man driving with a suspended license is responsible for the accident that killed a Pennsylvania Turnpike employee in suburban Philadelphia.

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman said Wednesday that Benjamin Joseph Kane, 34, of West Conshohocken, was charged with vehicular homicide, aggravated assault by vehicle, reckless endangerment and related counts.

Officials allege that Kane was illegally driving a 31,200-pound box truck on Oct. 22 when he crashed into a turnpike maintenance vehicle on a road shoulder near Norristown.

The turnpike vehicle then fatally hit longtime employee Michael Sanfelice, 66, who was working in front of it. The driver of the turnpike vehicle and a passenger in Kane's truck also were injured.

The multi-vehicle crash caused a seven-mile backup that lasted for hours.

Kane posted 10 percent of $100,000 cash bail, according to court records.

Kane's attorney, Steven Fairlie, said the case is a tragedy for all parties involved. A preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 10.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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