Ohio firefighter's leg pinned under apparatus after rollover crash

Fellow Middleport crewmembers used airbags to lift the engine and free the firefighter, who suffered fractures

By Leila Merrill

MIDDLEPORT, Ohio — A Middleport Fire Department firefighter’s leg became pinned under the apparatus after a rollover crash Sunday night, WSAZ/Gray News reported.

Chief Jeff Darst said the crewmembers were returning from a fire call when the engine rolled over the side of a hill, ejecting the driver, 72, from the vehicle and pinning his leg under the apparatus.

Fellow firefighters used airbags to lift the engine and pull the firefighter out.

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The injured crewmember was transported by air ambulance to a hospital. He suffered fractures to his lower leg and had surgery Monday.

Darst described him as a “tough old bird,” and expects him to continue serving after his recovery.