The Albany Herald, Ga.
(TNS)
SYLVESTER – Two city of Albany firefighters were among four people hospitalized on Friday after an out-of-control car struck six vehicles and three pedestrians who were attending the funeral of a third firefighter’s son in Worth County.
The driver, 61-year-old William Perkins of Albany, told the Georgia State Patrol that he had a coughing fit and passed out while driving, GSP Trooper Jamill Curry said.
He and Sharon West, of Worth County, were transported from the scene at Antioch Baptist Church to Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.
Ricky Thompson, an AFD battalion chief, and Capt. Danny Hancock were airlifted to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, said Ray Salter, who serves as Worth County fire, EMS and emergency management chief. Both men live in Worth County.
The three people struck by the Dodge 1500 pickup truck at about 10:30 a.m. were at the church at 105 Doe Hill Road to attend the funeral of 18-year-old Trenton Melton, son of AFD Lt. Casey Melton, Salter said.
On Friday afternoon, Curry said that Hancock was in stable condition and expected to recover. He had not received a condition report for Thompson.
APD Fire Chief Cedric Scott said the department is monitoring the condition of the two firefighters.
"We are deeply saddened to hear about the unfortunate accident involving two members of our department: Battalion Chief Ricky Thompson and Lieutenant Daniel 'Danny' Hancock, while attending the funeral services of one of their colleagues’ sons," Scott said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families during this difficult time.
"Battalion Chief Thompson and Lt. Hancock are both valued members of our department, and we are closely monitoring their condition as they receive medical treatment. We are grateful for the rapid response of emergency services personnel and the ongoing care being provided to our injured colleagues. We are committed to supporting our firefighters and their families throughout this difficult time., and we truly appreciate the outpouring of support from our community and fellow first responders."
At the time the car left the roadway and traveled onto the church property, Perkins was driving on Jewel Crowe Road, stopped at the Georgia Highway 313 intersection for a stop sign and then proceeded through the intersection, Curry said.
“He veered to the left and drove through the parking lot at a high rate of speed,” the Trooper said. “He was driving normally and then drove off the road and through the parking lot.”
Perkins reportedly told the GSP that he did not remember the accident. The investigation is continuing, and no charges had been filed as of Friday afternoon, Curry said.
The injuries to the firefighters was sobering, Salter said.
“It puts a strain, knowing both of these guys personally,” he said. “They’re both positive for the business, they’ve been in it for a while. I can’t say anything but good things for those guys. It puts it in perspective.”
Three EMS units and four fire units were dispatched to the scene of the accident, the Worth County chief said. Several off-duty personnel also responded to assist.
“One thing, in Worth County we take care of our own,” he said. “Off-duty folks will come in and pitch in.”
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