A Hillsborough County firefighter was injured in a strange accident Tuesday while en route to a scene and subsequently airlifted to a local hospital, according to authorities.
- Witness saw firefighter fall out of truck
- Firefighter struck his head on road
- Condition currently listed as stable
The injury reportedly occurred in front of Station 28 in Sun City Center around 5:30 p.m. Officials said firefighters were just leaving the station responding to a call when it happened.
Witness John Sauber said he saw the firefighter fall out of the truck and onto the road.
"The emergency vehicle pulled out of the, out of their venue and made a left hand turn," Sauber explained, "at the same time my peripheral, I go, 'Oh!' the gentleman flew off and I pulled off to the side and the emergency vehicle stopped."
Deputies said the firefighter hit his head on the road and was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital.
Hillsborough County Fire Rescue spokesperson Eric Seidel called the firefighter's injuries "traumatic."
"All of his firefighter family I know is praying for him and many are actually with him at this time just to make sure that everyone is alright," Seidel said.
Sauber, too, told us he's hoping for the best.
"All I saw was him airborne," Sauber said. "Wow. I hope he's ok."