Butler Township, PA (March 21, 2025) – A 53-year-old man, identified as Israel Cruz, was tragically killed after being struck by a tractor-trailer on March 21, 2025, while working on his disabled vehicle on Interstate 80 eastbound at mile marker 257.1.
Accident Details: According to reports, Cruz was on the right shoulder of the interstate when he was struck by a tractor-trailer driven by 50-year-old Aziz Bello. After the collision, Bello and another truck driver who witnessed the crash pulled over and stepped out of their trucks to discuss what had happened. Witnesses stated that Bello looked at Cruz before returning to his truck and fleeing the scene. Cruz was transported to a hospital when emergency crews arrived, but he succumbed to his injuries later.
Bello was identified and arrested by Pennsylvania State Police in Bethlehem. He is now facing charges of accidents involving death or personal injury.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: In this case, Bello admitted to the police that he had been driving the tractor-trailer involved in the crash and stopped to check for damage before leaving the scene. However, drivers involved in collisions resulting in injury or death must remain at the scene, provide assistance, and report the incident to law enforcement.
To determine the full circumstances of this crash, investigators will review surveillance footage, interview witnesses, and analyze physical evidence from Bello’s vehicle. They may also review data from the truck’s event data recorder (EDR), which could reveal details about the truck’s speed, braking, and steering before and after the impact.
Depending on the results of the investigation, the family of Israel Cruz may have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim.
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Israel Cruz.
Source: CDL LIFE