Butler Township, PA (March 26, 2025) – Israel Cruz, 53, was fatally struck while assisting a disabled vehicle on Interstate 80 when a tractor-trailer driver failed to remain at the scene. The alleged hit-and-run driver, Aziz Tajudeen Bello, 50, of Allentown, has been charged in connection with the deadly crash.
Incident Details: The fatal collision occurred Friday afternoon, March 21, on I-80 near mile marker 257.1 in Butler Township. Cruz was outside a disabled commercial truck on the right shoulder when he was hit by a Penske tractor-trailer traveling eastbound. The impact was captured on another truck’s dashboard camera. After initially stopping and being informed he had hit someone, Bello allegedly viewed Cruz on the ground and then drove off. Cruz was later pronounced dead at Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.
Investigation and Legal Considerations: Pennsylvania State Police used video footage and trucking company records to identify Bello as the driver. He was arrested and charged with a felony count of fleeing the scene of an injury accident. Bello was arraigned and held on $250,000 bail at Luzerne County Correctional Facility, with a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 3. In civil terms, Cruz’s family may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim given the egregious nature of the alleged hit-and-run.
Source: The Citizens’ Voice