TITLE: Forney Officers Escape Injury in Early Morning Crash
META: Two Forney police officers were unharmed after a driver crashed into their units while blocking traffic on U.S. 80 early Thursday.
EXCERPT: Two officers from Forney Police Department avoided injury after a driver collided with their units while they were directing traffic on U.S. 80. The incident follows multiple previous crashes in the same area.
ALT: Two police vehicles damaged after a crash on U.S. 80 involving a rideshare vehicle, with emergency lights flashing.
ARTICLE:
Two officers from the Forney Police Department narrowly escaped injury early Thursday morning when a driver struck their police units on U.S. 80 in Kaufman County. The officers were diverting traffic following an earlier collision when the crash occurred.
The incident took place at approximately 12:55 a.m., according to Forney Police Chief Carrie White. Officers were initially dispatched to the eastbound lanes near the Windmill Farms exit after a separate crash was reported around 10:55 p.m. Wednesday.
This area has gained attention for recent accidents; earlier this week, three crashes were noted, attributed to traffic slowing for nearby construction reducing the highway to one lane.
Chief White expressed relief that the officers were unharmed, saying, “The first thing that comes to your brain is, are they OK? Then you realize how fortunate you are.”
Though the stretch of highway lies outside Forney's jurisdiction, discussions are ongoing with TXDOT regarding safety measures. White emphasized the importance of improving conditions, particularly the lighting in that area.
A spokesperson from TXDOT confirmed they are assessing the incidents on U.S. 80 and the ongoing work zone, considering further safety enhancements.
White conveyed a message alongside images of the damaged police vehicles: “Slow down when approaching construction sites or emergency services. Whether it's an accident or traffic stop, our officers face dangers daily.”
The rideshare vehicle involved in the secondary crash resulted in the passenger being airlifted and the driver transported to a nearby hospital. Notably, a recent fatal accident in the area claimed the life of a Mesquite father, prompting renewed scrutiny on roadway safety.