PLANT CITY, FL : FHP trooper seriously injured in rear-end crash in Plant City on State Road 60 near Smith Ryals Road on Monday, 6th August 2018

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was injured when his patrol cruiser — sitting parked, its emergency lights flashing — was struck by another vehicle early Monday, according to the agency.

The crash took place at about 1:54 a.m. on State Road 60 near Smith Ryals Road. Amanda Casull, 28, of Valrico, was driving a 2013 Chrysler 200 west on S.R. 60. Ahead of her, the FHP said, both directions of the road were closed for repairs to a railway crossing.

Sgt. Leif Cardwell, 48, was sitting inside his agency-issued 2014 Dodge Charger, its emergency lights flashing, to warn motorists that the road was closed. But troopers said Casull ended up crashing into the passenger side and rear end of the stationary FHP cruiser.

Cardwell was not wearing his seat belt at the time, the agency said. He suffered serious injuries and was taken to Lakeland Regional Health for medical treatment. Casull, who was wearing her seat belt, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Brandon Regional Hospital for treatment.

Alcohol was not a factor in the crash, the FHP said, but charges may be pending. S.R. 60 between State Road 39 and County Line Road will be closed for at least two weeks,

Source