Trooper Struck on I-95 While Removing Ladder – Massachusetts News

A Massachusetts State Trooper was seriously injured Saturday afternoon when his cruiser was struck by another vehicle on Interstate 95 in Salisbury. The trooper, assigned to the Newbury Barracks, had pulled over to remove a ladder obstructing the left lane of the highway around 2:15 p.m., according to Massachusetts State Police.

After successfully removing the ladder and returning to his cruiser, the trooper was struck from behind. Emergency responders from Salisbury EMS and additional troopers from the Newbury Barracks responded to the scene. The injured trooper was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire with serious injuries, the extent of which has not been released.

The driver of the vehicle that struck the cruiser was also transported to Lawrence General Hospital. He has been identified as Josue Levi Cuevas Santana of Lawrence. According to police, Santana will be criminally summoned on multiple charges, including negligent operation, speeding, using a mobile device while driving, and failure to move over for an emergency vehicle.

Authorities believe Santana was allegedly using his cellphone at the time of the crash. The incident prompted the closure of three left lanes of I-95 while investigators processed the scene and cleared debris, including the ladder that initially prompted the trooper’s stop.

In a statement, Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble said the department will conduct a full investigation into the crash, examining both the actions of the driver and the circumstances surrounding the presence of the ladder on the highway. Noble also emphasized the ongoing concern for the safety of personnel working on roadways. The investigation remains ongoing.