Oklahoma City, OK – A driver struck a parked patrol unit in a closed construction zone, injuring a state trooper.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the crash happened overnight on the Kilpatrick Turnpike when a vehicle entered a section of roadway that had been closed for construction. Authorities said an OHP unit with emergency lights activated was parked inside the work zone when it was hit.
The trooper was seated inside the patrol vehicle at the time of the collision. Both the trooper and the driver sustained minor injuries, officials said.
OHP stated the patrol unit is considered a total loss. No additional vehicles or road construction workers were struck in the incident.
In a public statement, the agency emphasized that crashes involving patrol vehicles occur too frequently and are often linked to driver inattention. Officials urged motorists to remain alert behind the wheel, especially in construction areas where lane shifts, closures, and reduced speeds are common.
Authorities also reminded drivers to avoid vehicles with flashing emergency lights and to remain within designated lanes when approaching active work zones.
The crash serves as another reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers and road crews working along high-speed corridors. For commuters, particularly young drivers and overnight travelers, construction zones require reduced speeds and heightened attention to changing traffic patterns.
The incident remains under review. No additional details have been released.
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