Firefighter injured while assisting crashed vehicle

Lake County Leader

A Polson Rural Fire Captain is recovering from injuries after he was struck by a vehicle while assisting a motorist on Monday afternoon.

According to a Facebook post from the department, Captain Drew Hoel was driving south on U.S. Highway 93 when a vehicle in front of him spun out and crashed into a ditch. Hoel pulled over to help, parking his truck off the highway and turning on the rear emergency lights. Nevertheless, as Hoel was helping the driver in the ditch, another vehicle rammed into Hoel’s truck while traveling at 55 mph, the post states. The collision pushed Hoel’s vehicle 50 feet forward, striking and injuring the volunteer firefighter. Both Hoel and the driver of the out-of-control vehicle were transported to the hospital, where they were treated and released.

In the post, Polson Rural Fire Deputy Chief Jack Clapp said the incident serves as a reminder to slow down while passing emergency vehicles.