4 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

A police officer in Fayetteville, North Carolina, was injured the evening of June 26 after he was thrown into a sinkhole by an out-of-control tractor trailer. The incident occurred on U.S. Highway 401 near Seventy-First Middle and High School, causing the roadway to have to be closed. The sinkhole opened unexpectedly, causing chaos and confusion on the roads.

We took this video from CBS 17 YouTube Channel.

According to CBS 17 News, a police officer was directing traffic around the barriers when the semi-truck brakes but began to slide. The officer was standing next to the crater when the truck struck the police officer's vehicle, causing the officer to be thrown into the crater. The front end of the truck also stopped inside the crater, causing further damage to the road.

Another police officer on the scene immediately began administering first aid to the injured officer until paramedics arrived. The officer was able to sit up, after which he was loaded into an ambulance and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Fortunately, the officer is expected to make a full recovery.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation, and no further details about the accident have been released. However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety of sinkholes and their potential to cause harm to people and property. Karst sinkholes can occur from natural causes, such as erosion, or from human activities, such as mining or drilling.

The closure of U.S. Highway 401 has caused significant inconvenience to local residents and commuters. The road will likely remain closed until the sinkhole is repaired, but a timeline for completion of the repairs has not been set.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of caution and safety on the roads. Drivers should always be mindful of their surroundings and follow the rules of the road to avoid accidents and injuries. The police officer's quick thinking and prompt response by emergency responders is a testament to the dedication and bravery of law enforcement officers.