Meridian, MS Firefighter Killed, Two Hurt in Fire Engine Crash

Sept. 09--One firefighter was killed and two others were injured seriously Friday morning when a fire truck rolled over on Old Eighth Street Road near the Jaycee soccer complex in Meridian while responding to a call.

The death and injuries were confirmed by MeridianFire Chief Anthony Clayton and Mayor Percy Bland.

"We had an auto accident this morning involving Engine 3," Clayton said in a statement. "It wrecked on the way to a run, responding to an equipment trailer that was on fire. The next thing we knew we were getting a call from central a truck had flipped. The Deputy Chief and I immediately left Central, along with Metro Ambulance, Meridian Police Department, the Sheriff's Department. Everyone pitched in to help. Unfortunately one of our firefighters passed away at the scene."

The names of victims were not immediately released.

Clayton said he had contacted the family of the deceased firefighter and family members were en route to Meridian.

One seriously injured firefighter was taken by helicopter from Anderson Regional Medical Center to a Jackson hospital. Another firefighter was in stable but critical condition at a local hospital.

"It has been a bad morning, you just never know when you leave home for the day," Clayton said. "Thirty-four years this month of placing stuff in that box, that you have to have to function in this life and world, but that box is getting full for me. The guys did good, but they are hurting. But, as the Chief I have to deal with it -- I will take care of it."

The accident occurred around 9 a.m.

Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler was called to the scene, Meridian Chief Administrative Officer Richie McCalister said. Bland and other city officials, also, were on the scene.

Meridian Mayor Percy Bland stated, we have lost one of our own, it is a tragic, tragic situation.

"It is a sad day for us here in Meridian," Bland said. "It is a call as a mother, father, brother, sister, friend, or co-worker that you never want to get. I would like for the community to pray for our firemen and the entire department. We will have counselors communicating with those on the scene, and those that are going to be affected by what happened today."

Old Eighth Street Road was closed about a mile east of the accident at 65th avenue while responders worked at the scene.

Two ambulances rushed eastward from the scene with their sirens on and lights flashing around 9:25 a.m. and another left the scene later at a slower pace.

Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department, MeridianFire Department and Meridian Police vehicles were still rushing to the scene a half hour after the accident. Police cars escorted the ambulances from the scene.

Two large wreckers and one small one also headed toward the accident scene.

Clayton said he would speak about the accident later Friday.

Please check back for updates.