A state trooper suffered serious injuries while conducting a traffic stop on the New York State Thruway Friday when a semi-truck without a trailer struck the rear of the patrol car and vehicle the officer had pulled over, police said.

The crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. Friday on the westbound lane near Thruway Exit 26, State Police said.

The tractor struck the rear of the police vehicle, which then hit a Honda Odyssey the trooper stopped, police said, causing the officer to be thrown over a guiderail and down the embankment.

The trooper was taken to Albany Medical Center with serious injuries and was released Friday night. The driver of the Honda and a passenger were transported to St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam with minor injuries.

The Thruway's westbound lane at Exit 26 was closed while police investigate. A traffic diversion was in place.

State Troopers PBA President Charles Murphy said the incident served as a reminder of the everyday risks faced by officers. He called on motorists to observe the state’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to take precautions, including slowing down and moving over, to avoid a crash with stopped vehicles.

"Our thoughts are with the Trooper, their loved ones and the others involved in this crash, and we are incredibly grateful that reported injuries are not more serious than they are," Murphy said. "It is imperative that when any vehicle — be it a State Police cruiser, a DOT truck or a passenger car — is pulled to the side of the road, other motorists drive with caution and move over to protect those on the shoulder, who deserve to make it home safely.”

The crash comes shortly after a state highway maintenance worker was killed after being struck by a motorist in a work zone on Route 7 in Pittstown. Calling hours for Robert Bornt are being held Saturday.