Investigators from Ohio and across the nation arrived in Columbus on Monday to examine the Ohio State Highway Patrol cruiser that was involved in a crash that killed two troopers and a southern Ohio woman.
Sgt. Dale R. Holcomb, 45, and Trooper Joshua P. Risner, 29, died Thursday morning when their vehicle collided with a pickup and caught fire, NBC 4 reported.
Investigators are trying to determine how the crash occurred, and rule out any defect with the cruiser that may have ignited the fire.
Patrol officials wouldn't allow the media to watch as investigators combed through the wreckage, but the patrol released video of experts examining the cruiser.
Assisting the patrol was the state Fire Marshal's Office, and Missouri and New York State police because both agencies had similar fiery crashes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration joined the investigation with a representative from Ford Motor Company.
The NHTSA opened up an investigation four years ago into fuel leaks following rear-impact crashes involving Crown Victorias.
The vehicle involved in Thursday's crash was a 2005 Crown Victoria.
Investigators are also examining the vehicle that woman was driving.
Patrol officials said they have determined that the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions.
Watch NBC 4 and refresh nbc4i.com for additional information.
Previous Stories:
- September 29, 2006: Funerals Scheduled For Troopers Killed In Crash
- September 28, 2006: 2 Ohio State Troopers Killed In Crash
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