Firefighter Scott Carter witnessed the crash and helped safely extricate driver
Information and photo released by Orondo Fire
At around 9:45 this morning, Orondo Fire was dispatched to a one vehicle rollover accident on Hwy. 97, MM 225, where the vehicle caught fire and burned. The vehicle was observed driving erratically at a high rate of speed. According to the Incident Commander, Firefighter Scott Carter, who actually witnessed the crash, indicated the vehicle ran off the road several times, ultimately causing the vehicle to roll, coming to rest on the side of the highway. Carter was the first person to come up to the vehicle and observed that the vehicle was starting to catch fire. The driver was trying to get out of the vehicle, but the doors were jammed shut. Firefighter Carter broke open the passenger side window, extricated the driver out of the vehicle and safely away from danger. The vehicle then became fully engulfed with fire.
Chelan EMS arrived, treated the driver, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, and transported him to Central Washington Hospital in Wenatchee. The extent of his injuries is unknown at this time.
Orondo Fire arrived and quickly extinguished the burning vehicle. Hwy 97 was completely closed during this time for the safety of all fire and emergency personnel. Orondo Fire District personnel continued on scene with traffic control until the vehicle was removed. Washington State Patrol is investigating this accident. Hwy 97 opened back up for regular traffic at around noon.
When driving on the highways, it is important to pay attention to other vehicles around you. Always remember to slow down when driving near an accident scene to protect the emergency responders working on the scene. This incident shows us how truly dedicated our local emergency responders are to our communities.
Any questions, please contact me at (509) 885-0067 or rangersarge@yahoo.com.
