5 Freeway Accident:
SYLMAR, LOS ANGELES — A California Highway Patrol (CHP) officer was hospitalized with major injuries early Sunday after being struck by a vehicle on the 5 Freeway in Sylmar, authorities said.
The collision occurred while the officer was attempting to assist another driver who had crashed on the freeway.
A Sigalert was issued and all southbound lanes were closed for several hours after the incident as an investigation began.
The accident happened just before 3:30 a.m., south of the Newhall Pass and the 14 Freeway, according to the CHP. The officer had responded to a disabled vehicle that had crashed into the center divider at the scene. The officer was outside his patrol car when he was hit by a black Tesla.
He was transported to a medical center and was undergoing surgery.
"It is very hard for all of us," said CHP Sgt. Dan Keene. "Because CHP officers put their lives on the line every day for the community to keep everyone safe. Especially this individual who was disabled in the lanes. It's very scary for them and that's our job to be there and provide safety for the motoring public."
The driver who struck the officer remained at the scene and was cooperating with authorities, a CHP spokesperson said. No arrest was announced.
After a preliminary investigation, the driver was not suspected of DUI, according to a Highway Patrol spokesman.
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