By Laura French
CLINTONVILLE, Pa. — A Pennsylvania firefighter was struck by a semi-truck on Thursday while directing traffic at the scene of a separate crash.
Clintonville Firefighter Justin Williams, 25, was working at the scene of the earlier multi-vehicle crash amid snowy conditions when the oncoming semi-truck slid into a guard rail and struck him, according to the Butler Eagle.
“Today we heard radio traffic that no one ever wants to hear. While responding to a multi-vehicle crash with multiple injuries and entrapment on the I-80 Bridge, a secondary crash occurred in which an out-of-control vehicle struck a firefighter from an assisting department,” the Emlenton Fire Department wrote in a Facebook post.
Clintonville Volunteer Fire Department officials described Williams’ injuries as “severe” but said, “He continues to improve every hour.”
According to the Butler Eagle, Williams’ injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. An air ambulance was initially called to the scene but was unable to land due to the weather conditions, and he was transported by ground ambulance to the hospital.
“Please let this be a reminder to SLOW DOWN when you see emergency vehicles or are driving in [inclement] weather,” Emlenton fire officials said. “Please keep this firefighter, his family, friends and our brothers and sisters at Station 3 in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.”