Reading, PA - On March 11th, the rescue assignment was sent to Mineral Spring Rd., just after Hessian Rd. on the Lindbergh Viaduct, for reports of a motor vehicle accident with entrapment.

Reading Fire Car 8 arrived on scene and found a large tree that fell on a vehicle, crushing the passenger compartment, and heavily entrapping one occupant. Car 8 immediately requested a heavy wrecker tow truck to lift the tree off the vehicle and added Engine 3 to the assignment for additional manpower.

First arriving crews rapidly stabilized the tree and began working to gain access to the patient. Ten minutes after arrival, crews gained access to the patient, but still had significant entrapment. Rescue crews had multiple hydraulic tools in service at the same time working to free the patient from the wreckage.

Fire personnel were able to successfully extricate the patient before the tow company arrived, with the extrication being completed in roughly 25 minutes. RFD EMS personnel performed advanced life saving measures during the extrication process, as well as during rapid transport to the hospital, but unfortunately the victim succumbed to his injuries while at the hospital.

The roadway remained closed for a period of time as city arborists worked to removed the tree from the lanes of travel. Please keep the family in your prayers after this tragic, fluke accident.