State traffic officer struck by big rig on I-85, suffers minor injuries

A state traffic officer suffered minor injuries Friday afternoon after being struck by a tractor-trailer on I-85 in Gwinnett County, according to Georgia Department of Public Safety officials.

The truck that collided with the officer overturned and caught on fire, causing lane closures and gridlock on the interstate for more than two hours.

The incident happened just after 2 p.m. near mile marker 113 and involved a Motor Carrier Compliance Department officer from the Department of Public Safety. According to a DPS spokesperson, the officer was trying to help another officer perform a traffic stop on a motorcyclist driving recklessly on the interstate.

As the compliance officer merged onto I-85, they were clipped by a tractor-trailer, officials said.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries, according to the DPS spokesperson. Neither have been identified.

Lanes had reopened by 5 p.m., and the crash was contained to the right shoulder, according to the WSB 24-hour Traffic Center.