SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) – Part of Interstate Interstate 696 was closed for much of rush hour Monday morning as crews investigated a crash in which a trooper was seriously injured.
The eastbound lanes of Interstate 696 were closed at M-10. Just after 10 a.m., two lanes opened up.
Michigan State Police says the trooper was pulled over in his vehicle investigating another crash when he was hit. He was sitting inside his vehicle when a construction vehicle rear ended him. The trooper sustained serious injuries but we’re told he was alert on the way to the hospital.
“He’s got some facial injuries, some memory loss issues and some back pain, but he had his seatbelt on. Otherwise, this could have been a lot worse,” says MSP Lt. Michael Shaw.
We’re told he also has five fractured ribs and some possible injuries to his legs.
Police have not yet identified the trooper involved in the accident, but say he is an 19-year veteran with the department.
We’re told the crash the trooper was investigating was a rollover accident involving an alleged drunken driver. A fuel spill under one of the vehicles also required Hazmat clean up.
MSP is reminding everyone to move over a lane if you see a trooper or police vehicle pulled off on the side of the road.
