Trooper seriously injured while assisting with a traffic work zone in Hillsborough County

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Photo of significant damage to FHP cruiser courtesy of FHP

Troopers from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are investigating a crash that seriously injured a FHP Trooper. The crash occurred in Hillsborough County at approximately 4:43 a.m. on Saturday, November 11, 2023.

The 24-year-old male driver of a Kia Forte was traveling northbound on I-275, south of I-4, where an active construction zone was in place with the left lanes closed by traffic cones and arrow boards.

In the construction zone, an FHP Trooper was in a stationary marked patrol car with emergency lights activated while assisting with the lane closure. Impaired, the driver drove over the traffic cones, entered the work zone, struck an arrow board, and finally struck the rear of the FHP patrol car.

Photo of significant damage to vehicle that struck a FHP cruiser courtesy of FHP

The Trooper suffered serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital. The driver, a Lakeland resident, and his passenger, a 25-year-old Ocala woman, likewise suffered serious injuries and were also transported to an area hospital.