Two ambulance crew members were killed during an accident with an 18-wheeler in Greene County Tuesday afternoon, reports The Clarion-Ledger.
The ambulance, which operated out of the Heidelberg station in Laurel, was headed out for a call on Highway 63 at approximately noon when it collided with a truck carrying a bulldozer near the Piave community. The ambulance and truck burst into flames after impact. The crew members were pronounced dead at the scene.
“This is a terrible tragedy,” EMA director Trent Robertson said.” You work closely with these guys and they become like family. These guys gave their lives serving their community.”
Mississippi High Patrol Troop J spokesman Brent Barfield said the driver of the truck, Charles E. Bexley, 47, of Beaumont was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries. Bexley works for the Piave Trucking Company.
Barfield said the ambulance was traveling northbound on Highway 63 with its red lights flashing when it tried to overtake two 18-wheelers. After it successfully passed the first truck, the truck driven by Bexley suddenly made a left turn into the southbound lane where the ambulance struck the truck in the front left axle, Barfield said.
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