ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. — Two Virginia State Police troopers were injured Monday afternoon when a vehicle lost control on Interstate 81 and struck both of their cruisers as they sat along the shoulder observing traffic.

The crash occurred at approximately 1:29 p.m. near the 262-mile marker. A state police sergeant and a K-9 trooper were parked in a crossover when the passing vehicle struck both police vehicles.

Both troopers were transported to Sentara RMH Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries and have since been treated and released. The K-9 was taken to a local veterinarian for evaluation and also released. Officials said both troopers are in good spirits.

Three witnesses who stopped at the scene provided critical assistance, helping remove the K-9 from one of the vehicles and preventing a potential fire involving the other vehicle.

The driver of the striking vehicle faces a reckless driving charge, according to preliminary findings. The crash remains under investigation by Virginia State Police.

Information from a release. Edited by Dan McDermott.