Another accident on a bad corner south of town and once again I rolled to the scene. Upon arrival we found a single vehicle on it top, fully involved in flames. We worked quickly to put out the flames and then we checked for victims. A lone occupant, burnt beyond recognition. I caught only a glimpse of his face and turned away quickly.
I walked down the road from the accident, my head in a daze as to what I had just seen. One of the crew members that had been at the bus accident pulled up to me. She asked if she was needed. I told her to go home, she did not want to see this. She did not hesitate to leave and said thank you as she headed for home.
Since I was the only firefighter in full gear I was asked to cut the top off the car once it was up righted. At that point I wished that I were not there at all. Somberly I began the task and when it was time to pull back the top, the assistant chief and myself kept our eyes forward and pulled the top open. Neither of us wanted to look again at what we had seen.
The horror of this accident was one that none of us would soon forget. This was only ten days after the Greyhound versus pedestrian call. I was the only one on our department to go on both. Fortunately there have been no other calls that I have rolled on with such graphic scenes of death.
I pray that those were the worst I will ever see.
Rescue Dog
1 comment:
It was not a usual event for Yachats Volunteer Fire Dept. and for this friend of the Dept. it hit home! Since I ride Greyhound still and remember that night.
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