A California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) worker was in his parked truck when it was rear-ended on the shoulder of northbound Interstate 15 in Escondido Thursday, prompting a response from medics.
The truck was parked on the shoulder of HOV lanes just south of 9th Avenue, near State Route 78, when it was rear-ended by a black Nissan Sentra at about 10:15 a.m.
CHP said the 26-year-old driver of the Nissan drifted left and struck the back of the Caltrans vehicle. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The Nissan was also carrying two passengers. Both were transported to Palomar Medical Center, one with major injuries.
The Caltrans Employee was moderately injured and also taken to the hospital. Caltrans officials said the worker was able to move and talk but will be kept overnight at the hospital.
Crews were picking up trash along the highway at the time of the crash, Caltrans said.
The transportation agency said the accident is a reminder to drivers of the dangers Caltrans employees face on the job.
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The California Highway Patrol and Escondido Fire Department firefighters were called and HOV lanes were blocked as emergency crews responded to the scene. Lanes were reopened at about 11:30 a.m.
