A Massachusetts state trooper was hurt late on Tuesday night after a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and smashed into the parked cruiser.
The accident happened on southbound Interstate 95 near the Massachusetts Turnpike intersection in Weston just before midnight on September 28th.
According to NBC Boston, the trooper was parked on the side of the interstate with his lights on protecting a crew trimming trees encroaching on the roadway when he was struck by the oncoming semi truck as the driver fell asleep.
The force of the impact caused the rig to jackknife, broke off the cruiser’s steering wheel, and pinned the trooper inside. Although he was injured, the trooper was able to radio in the incident himself. He was later transported to a nearby hospital, but has since been discharged and will remain on injured leave.
Investigation of the incident reveals that the 27-year-old trucker from Canada woke up at the last second and attempted to hit the brakes, but was unable to stop in time.
The driver is facing charges of negligent operation, failure to move over and a marked lanes violation.