Collision With Fire Apparatus Leaves VT State Trooper In Serious Condition

A Vermont State Trooper was seriously injured in a crash involving a fire apparatus on an interstate in Bethel.

The Bethel Fire Department truck was parked on Interstate 89 to direct traffic away from an accident scene involving a box truck when the police vehicle crashed into the rig, MYNBC5.com reports.

Officials from the state troopers said cones and flares were placed on the roadway before the fire truck to direct drivers away from the scene.

Trooper Eric Vitali, a 19-year veteran of the Vermont State Troopers, sustained serious injuries and was taken to Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center by helicopter.

He was wearing a seatbelt, officials told the television station.

No firefighters were on the apparatus when it was struck.

Vitali was traveling between police barracks for first aid training.