October 5, 2010, Erie, PA — State Police are continuing their investigation into a fatal hit and run commercial truck accident on Interstate 90 in North East Township, Pennsylvania. While there are new leads, State Police are not naming suspects as yet and they continue to gather information, including information from cell phone providers in the area.
As documented in earlier blog entries here (See blog entries 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , and 6 ) Xiaoxia Zhang, 30, was traveling east on I-90 with her family in their family station wagon. A large blue truck or tractor trailer attempted to pass them on the left and struck the station wagon in the rear, spinning it out of control and causing Ms. Zhang to be ejected.
Another large truck struck Ms. Zhang as she lay on the highway. Reportedly, she was killed instantly.
Both commercial truck drivers fled the scene and have not, to date, been identified. However, police are reporting that they are still tracking down large numbers of leads and following up on cell phone data requests that may help to identify the truckers involved. Rumors abound that one particular truck and driver have been identified as possibly involved but police have not confirmed as much.
A sketch (see above) has been provided of one of the truckers believed to have been involved in the Erie truck accident. The description is of a man in his 40s, with dark hair and eyes, who spoke with an accent, who stands about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 150 pounds.
Investigators also have more information on the blue truck involved in the Erie semi crash. It may have been a blue International 9000 series truck with mirrors mounted on the fenders. It is believed to have damage to the right front fender and grill.
Reward money totaling $2,000 has been offered for information that will help police identify the truck drivers involved. Witnesses are encouraged to contact authorities at www.eriealert.com or (800) 472-8477 or (814) 898-1641.