Pittsburg County, OK (May 5, 2026) – A crash involving an Oklahoma Highway Patrol unit left a trooper injured Monday morning, May 4, in the Longtown area. The incident occurred around 10 a.m. on State Highway 9 near State Highway 9A while troopers were responding to an earlier accident involving an overturned dump truck.
Reports indicate the trooper was driving with lights and sirens activated. While attempting to pass another vehicle on the left, that vehicle turned into a private drive and struck the patrol unit. The impact caused the trooper’s vehicle to roll several times before coming to rest upright off the road.
The trooper was pinned inside the unit for about 15 minutes before emergency units freed them. They were taken to a Tulsa-area hospital, listed in stable condition, and later released that evening. The driver of the other vehicle suffered minor injuries in the crash.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as soon as they become available. Our thoughts are with the injured as they continue to recover.
What Can Happen When Emergency Vehicles Are Passing on Highways?
When emergency vehicles approach with lights and sirens, drivers are expected to yield and allow them to pass safely. This often means slowing down and moving to the right side of the road when possible. These actions help reduce the risk of crashes during urgent responses.
Collisions can occur when drivers misjudge the speed or direction of an approaching emergency vehicle. Left turns into driveways or side roads can be especially risky if the driver does not see the vehicle coming from behind.
Clear visibility, proper signaling, and staying alert can help lower these risks. Roads with multiple access points, such as private drives, may increase the chances of sudden turns, making awareness even more critical for all drivers.
