Officer injured after being hit by car on Western Avenue in Westfield

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A police officer was hit by a car Tuesday morning in Westfield while that officer was on-duty in a work zone.

The officer was directing traffic around a work zone on Western Avenue was hit and rushed to the hospital. The officer is listed in stable condition with serious injuries.

A statement released by Westfield Police suggested the officer is recovering and said, in part: “This morning while working a road construction detail, one of our officers was struck by a car. He was transported to Baystate Medical Center in Springfield for medical care. He is conscious and speaking.”

It’s a scene that reminds many in Westfield of the tragic work zone death of Westfield Police Officer Jose Torres almost 11 years ago. He died after being hit by a dump truck while directing traffic in a construction zone.

While this most recent crash wasn’t fatal, Westfield Police have issued a warning to drivers traveling through road work zones and said, in part: “As the New England road work season bears down upon us, we want to remind everyone to stay vigilant when entering into the work area. We know that sometimes it can get confusing, but stay alert and travel slowly while navigating the areas, so that you, the workers and officers can return to their families, in the same condition they arrived in.”

There’s no word yet on whether the driver will be facing any charges for hitting the officer.

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