WINSTON-SALEM — N.C. State Trooper Robbie Ellison is among five people who are recovering following a Friday morning accident on U.S. 52 near Akron Drive.

While sitting in a south bound traffic back-up just before 8 a.m. Friday, Ellison’s cruiser was struck in the rear which then caused a chain reaction involving two additional vehicles. Ellison was taken to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center along with the drivers and passengers in the two other cars.

Ellison was treated and released Friday evening, but is still recovering at home. First Sgt. Justin Dodson said Monday that Ellison has not returned to work.

Dodson said a Chevrolet S-10 collided with the rear of Ellison’s patrol car, knocking him into the other vehicles.

The driver of the pick-up, Gerald Hudson, 74, of Pfafftown was charged with failure to reduce speed. Hudson was not injured according to a report filed by First Sgt. P.T. Clark of the Highway Patrol.

Additional information about the other victims was not available Monday afternoon.

Ellison’s district is based in Surry County. He is a resident of Mount Airy. He was on his way to Salisbury to have his radio serviced at the time of the accident, Dodson said.