A California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer who was struck from behind while assisting a disabled vehicle on a Fresno freeway Thursday evening suffered serious injuries but has since been released from the hospital, authorities said.

The crash happened on Highway 99 near Highway 180 as the CHP officer was moving to help a disabled vehicle, according to CHP Fresno.

Authorities said the impact threw the officer onto the hood of the vehicle and then into active traffic lanes.

The officer was taken to a hospital for treatment of serious injuries. CHP said he has since been released and is recovering at home.

The agency credited several citizens and an off-duty nurse practitioner who stopped immediately after the crash to provide aid and help protect the injured officer from oncoming traffic.

CHP did not release the officer’s name or provide details about the driver involved in the collision.

The crash comes during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which CHP said serves as a reminder of the dangers motorcyclists and law enforcement officers face on the road each day.

Authorities urged drivers to slow down, stay alert, avoid distractions, and watch carefully for motorcycles.

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