Two Virginia State Police Troopers Injured in Pittsylvania County Crash
- BTW21
- 25 minutes ago
- 2 min read
PITTSYVANIA, Va. — A tragic accident occurred today at approximately 2:04 p.m. when two Virginia State Police Troopers were assisting with a disabled tractor trailer on the southbound side of U.S. Highway 29 in Pittsylvania County.
While the officers were outside their patrol vehicles, a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser struck one of the patrol cars, causing a chain of events that led to one of the troopers being seriously injured.
According to Virginia State Police, the troopers had their emergency lights activated and were positioned partially in the right travel lane to ensure the safety of the disabled tractor trailer.
Despite these precautions, the Chrysler PT Cruiser, traveling south on U.S. 29, collided with the rear patrol vehicle, which then struck one of the troopers.
The impact also caused the rear patrol vehicle to hit the second patrol car.
The injured trooper, whose identity has not been released, was airlifted by helicopter to Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where they are being treated for serious injuries. Thankfully, the second trooper involved in the incident was not injured.
The driver of the Chrysler PT Cruiser, 74-year-old Raul Jesus Salas of Gretna, was charged with Reckless Driving. The crash remains under investigation by Virginia State Police.
Authorities are urging motorists to remain vigilant and slow down when passing emergency vehicles on the side of the road.
The safety of law enforcement officers and roadside workers is of utmost importance, and drivers are reminded to always move over and reduce their speed when approaching vehicles with activated emergency lights.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the dangers faced by first responders while they work to keep the public safe. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and further details will be provided as they become available.