State Trooper Hit By Vehicle In Westmoreland County
EAST HUNTINGDON TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - A Pennsylvania State Police Trooper is recovering in the hospital after being hit by a car Wednesday night in Westmoreland County.
According to police, the crash happened around 8:30 p.m. along Route 119 near West Tech Drive in East Huntingdon Township.
The trooper injured in this accident has such serious injuries that he may never be the same. The coming days will be filled with surgeries and then the recovery process will begin.
KDKA's John Shumway Reports:
"He, he's alive. That's about the best thing," Trooper Stephen Limani said.
The trooper, whose name is not being released, was tossed over his patrol car when he was struck by an SUV around 8:30 p.m.
His pelvis was crushed, bones were broken, there was significant blood loss and he also suffered head trauma as a result.
"He's one of my friends. He's a great guy. It's just an unfortunate circumstance that he was out there performing his job and had this horrific thing happen," Trooper Limani said.
The call that brought the trooper to Route 119 wasn't completely out of the ordinary. Wood pallets were in the roadway and he was called to clean up the debris.
"Activated his emergency lights, got out and started to clear the debris from the roadway," Trooper Limani said.
Cars slowed down due to the activity and one car just couldn't stop in time. Albert Gundy, 69, of West Mifflin, swerved in between the stopped patrol car and the traffic that was slowed in the left lane.
KDKA's Heather Abraham Reports:
"Collided with our trooper head on, launched our trooper. He was vaulted basically over the car," Trooper Limani said.
The trooper, who has been with state police for 15 years, was flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital with serious injuries and immediately underwent surgery.
"The fact that he's alive, we're grateful that he's alive and we're all pulling for him to get better," Trooper Limani said.
The trooper will spend most of the day in surgery today. Doctors said they'll keep him under as long as his body will allow.
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