Trooper Involved in Fatal Wreck in Eastern Kentucky

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A Kentucky State Police trooper responding to an emergency call was involved in a fatal accident on Kentucky 80 in Knott County on Sunday morning. Another vehicle attempted to turn left onto Perry Circle Road and drove into the path of the trooper's vehicle, resulting in the deaths of the driver and passenger in the other vehicle. The trooper sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Why it matters

Accidents involving law enforcement vehicles responding to emergencies are a serious concern, as they can lead to tragic loss of life. This incident raises questions about emergency response protocols and the safety of rural roads in eastern Kentucky.

The details

According to state police, the trooper from the Hazard Post was responding to an emergency call when the collision occurred. The other vehicle, heading westbound on Kentucky 80, attempted to turn left onto Perry Circle Road and drove directly into the path of the trooper's vehicle. The driver and passenger in the other vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene by the Perry County Coroner's Office. The trooper was flown to UK Medical Center in Lexington with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

• The accident occurred on Sunday morning, March 23, 2026.
• The trooper was responding to an emergency call at the time of the collision.

What’s next

State Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the accident and have not yet released the identities of the driver and passenger who were killed.