Indiana trooper injured when her stopped cruiser was sideswiped by a tanker truck

An Indiana State Police (ISP) trooper was hospitalized on Monday following a crash involving a semi truck that occurred while she was responding to a previous crash.

The crash occurred around 5 a.m. on Monday, September 26, in Jasper County, Indiana, according to a news release issued by ISP.

ISP was on the scene at northbound I-65 at mile marker 224 to assist with the removal of a semi truck involved in a previous crash.

Two state troopers were blocking the right lane of the interstate using their cruisers with all emergency lights activated.

Trooper Jordin Bilthuis was sitting in her cruiser with the emergency lights activated when a tanker truck sideswiped her vehicle.

Trooper Bilthuis was hospitalized with non life-threatening injuries.

The tanker truck driver, 33 year old Indiana resident Jonathan W. Hanley, was cited for Failure to Yield to a Stationary Emergency Vehicle. 

Additionally, a post-crash inspection on the truck uncovered several violations, ISP says, including two out-of-service violations.

“The Indiana State Police reminds drivers to always slow down and/or change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles that are on the side of the roadway.  Also, never drive a vehicle when you’re fatigued or tired.  Pull over to a safe location, a rest stop or service station, and rest before continuing to your destination. The life you save could very well be your own,” ISP said.