A state trooper and a tow truck driver were both hit by a passing pickup truck. The soldier was seriously injured. The tow truck driver has minor injuries, police said.

It happened around 12:30 Saturday afternoon during a traffic stop on the southbound Northway near Exit 6 and Exit 7 in Colonie, investigators said.

A vehicle was being loaded into a traffic violation tow when the tow truck driver and the officer were struck, investigators said.

The driver of the truck stopped and is currently in the custody of the State Police. Several witnesses called 911, investigators said. A hearing was expected later Saturday, investigators said.

Anyone who saw the crash is asked to call state police at 518-457-6811 or email [email protected].

The New York State Troopers PBA released this statement:

“We are deeply dismayed that, for the second time in less than a week, one of our brothers has been seriously injured while on duty in a vehicle-related incident.

“Once again, this underscores the inherent danger of our profession and the incredible courage of all troopers who put their lives on the line every day as they work to keep New Yorkers safe. The recklessness shown in this incident is inexcusable. Incidents like this can easily turn into death and we are incredibly grateful that it did not happen here.

“The PBA will continue to support the soldier who was injured in the Colony, as we do with all our members who are injured in the line of duty and we hope for their speedy and full recovery.”