Crime & Safety
Florida Crash Update: Trooper Seriously Hurt on SR 429 Tuesday
Bay Lake, FL – A Florida Highway Patrol trooper is recovering from serious injuries after a pickup truck slammed into his stationary patrol vehicle Tuesday afternoon along State Road 429 in Orange Cou
By Tessa Morgan · 2026-10-28T18:00:06.997Z
Bay Lake, FL – A Florida Highway Patrol trooper is recovering from serious injuries after a pickup truck slammed into his stationary patrol vehicle Tuesday afternoon along State Road 429 in Orange County, near the Orlando metropolitan area. The crash occurred in an active construction zone, raising concerns about driver safety around emergency vehicles.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the collision happened Tuesday, Oct. 27, at approximately 9:12 p.m. in the southbound lanes of SR 429 near mile marker 6 in Bay Lake.
Investigators said a 2026 Toyota Tundra was traveling southbound in the outside lane approaching an active construction zone. Ahead of the truck, a marked FHP patrol vehicle was stationary with its emergency lights activated as part of a lane closure operation.
Despite the emergency lights and active work zone warnings, the pickup driver failed to move over, according to preliminary findings. The truck struck the rear of the patrol vehicle.
The Toyota's driver, a 53 year old Davenport man, was transported to Celebration Hospital with injuries that were not considered life threatening.
The trooper suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to HCA Osceola Regional Medical Center. Authorities said he remains in stable condition.
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner emphasized the dangers first responders face while working along busy highways.
"The simple act of moving over gives them the space they need to work safely and significantly increases safety for everyone on Florida's roads," Kerner said.
Florida's Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes when approaching stopped emergency, service, utility or disabled vehicles when safe. If changing lanes is unsafe, drivers must slow to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
The crash remains under investigation, and charges are pending. Authorities have not announced any additional enforcement action or ongoing traffic restrictions.