Bennington, VT (March 11, 2026) – A Vermont State Police trooper sustained minor injuries on Tuesday afternoon following a two-vehicle collision in Bennington while responding to a call, according to authorities.
Officials with the Vermont State Police said the crash occurred around 4:38 p.m. along U.S. Route 7 near the intersection with Kocher Drive.
Authorities reported that Sgt. Justin Walker of the Vermont State Police Shaftsbury Barracks was responding to assist the Bennington Police Department after an earlier crash had been reported along Vermont Route 279. Investigators said Walker was driving a marked patrol cruiser with emergency lights and siren activated when the vehicle collided with another car near the intersection.
Following the impact, both vehicles came to rest along the side of the roadway. Authorities reported that Walker was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was treated for suspected minor injuries and later released.
Officials confirmed that the occupants of the other vehicle involved in the crash were not injured. The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation by the Vermont State Police.
We hope for a full recovery for the injured trooper.
Emergency Vehicle Responses Require Extra Caution on Roadways
Crashes involving emergency vehicles can occur even when lights and sirens are activated during urgent responses.
When officers respond to incidents, they often travel quickly through intersections or busy roadways while relying on other drivers to yield the right of way. However, sudden movements, limited visibility, or confusion among motorists can sometimes lead to collisions.
Roadways such as U.S. Route 7 carry regular traffic throughout the day, which can complicate emergency responses. Investigators reviewing these types of crashes typically analyze vehicle positioning, traffic flow, and driver actions to determine how the collision occurred.
