Knoxville, USA - June 16, 2024

A routine traffic stop on I-40 East near Alcoa Highway turned harrowing yesterday afternoon when a minivan collided with a parked police cruiser displaying emergency lights.

According to reports from the Knoxville Police Department, the incident occurred as officers conducted the stop. The impact of the crash caused minor injuries to the officer inside the cruiser, who received treatment at UT Medical Center. Meanwhile, the driver of the minivan was transported to a local hospital for evaluation, though no serious injuries were reported.

Authorities cited the minivan driver for failing to maintain lane and for not yielding to emergency vehicles, highlighting the importance of caution and awareness on busy highways.

"While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, this serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by our first responders, particularly on interstates," stated a KPD spokesperson. "It's crucial for all drivers to remain vigilant, obey traffic laws, and remember to slow down and move over when encountering emergency vehicles."