Written by Tracie Sullivan
A Utah Highway Patrol trooper was struck and injured by a vehicle at approximately 3 p.m Monday on Interstate 15 while investigating another accident.
According to Cedar City Police Officer Sgt. Jimmy Roden, the trooper had responded to reports of a crash involving a Ford passenger vehicle that hydroplaned and collided with the cable barriers alongside the freeway near milepost 58 northbound.
The trooper was outside of his vehicle investigating the accident when a black BMW collided with the Ford.
“The force of the collision caused the Ford passenger car to strike the trooper and the Ford was pushed on top of the trooper,” Roden said.
The Cedar City Fire Department had been dispatched to the scene for the first accident. When they arrived, they found the trooper trapped underneath the Ford.
The fire department used the Jaws of Life and lifted the vehicle off of the trooper, Roden reported.
The trooper was transported via ambulance to Valley View Medical Center with apparent serious injuries.
CCPD is currently investigating both crashes.
“At this time, heavy rainfall and pooling of water are believed to be major contributors to the crashes,” Roden said.
No other injuries to the occupants of either vehicles in the accidents are reported.
Additional information about the condition of the trooper will be made available as it is received.
Authorities are not releasing the name of the trooper at this time.
Please check back later at The Independent for more details as the story evolves.
Follow Tracie Sullivan on Twitter @tracie_sullivan and on Facebook at www.faceboook.com/traciesullivan.
Email Sullivan at [email protected]
