A King firefighter who was struck by a minivan Monday while assisting at the scene of tractor-trailer wreck is recovering and may be released from the hospital by Wednesday.
Lt. Les Collins sustained severe road rash and swelling along with a broken pinky finger and bruised pelvis when he was hit on Highway 52 North shortly after 5 a.m., according to WGHP-TV.
Fire Chief Steven Roberson told the news station that Collins is "feeling much better" and has been walking around since being transported to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Officials say the 15-year veteran was walking over to his department vehicle to leave the scene when the minivan traveling over 60 mph drove through a barricade, struck the vehicle and then hit him.
The impact knocked him onto the windshield of the minivan and both vehicles slid about 100 feet before coming to a stop.
"He saw the gentleman come through the barricade. He was running and trying to get away, but he couldn’t make it in time," Roberson said.
The driver of the minivan, William Blythe, was charged with careless and reckless driving.
