Trooper suffers major facial injuries while conducting roadside commercial vehicle inspection in Texas

A Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) trooper suffered major injuries after falling through a rotten board on a trailer while performing a commercial vehicle inspection.

On June 17, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) said that TXDPS Trooper Kurt Kelm was injured in Leon County while conducting a commercial vehicle inspection on IH-45.

According to a crowdfunding page launched by the Texas DPS Troopers Foundation, the injury was caused in part by a rotten board: “While inspecting the trailer, Trooper Kelm fell through a rotten board on the deck of the trailer.  This caused Trooper Kelm to fall, striking his face on the edge of the semi-trailer.”

As a result of the fall, Trooper Kelm suffered numerous broken facial bones.

He is currently in the ICU, and is awaiting reconstructive surgery once his facial swelling subsides.

Trooper Kelm is expected to require multiple surgeries.