WEST HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. — Larry Fuller, 55, an EMT with Hunter EMS, and a patient being transported died Wednesday morning when an ambulance crashed near a bridge overpass on Long Island.
The Hunter Ambulance cab, shown in photos from the scene, is crushed on the shoulder of the road against a bridge abutment, Newsday reported. It’s not clear what caused the ambulance to leave the roadway.
The patient, James Larson, 36, was being transported from a Manhattan hospital to a rehabilitation center for post-surgical care after a heart and kidney transplant, Newsday reported as additional details became available Wednesday night.
EMT Renato Endrada, 47, who was also in the ambulance, suffered a broken leg and concussion. He was transported to a nearby hospital.
Police are currently investigating the crash to determine what caused Fuller to lose control of the ambulance and hit several road signs before the bridge abutment.
Fuller had been with Hunter EMS for the past three years. He began as a field EMT, later became a field trainer and had recently accepted a promotion as turnout coordinator.
A GoFundMe account was created to help fund Fuller’s daughter’s education.
Ambulance accident in Nassau County. pic.twitter.com/OWSkUqrzY3
— NYC Fire Wire (@NYCFireWire) April 20, 2016
Nassau County: Southern State Parkway. Hunter Ambulance involved in MVA. Both EMTs DOA, patient in critical conditio pic.twitter.com/dWwSjESjS7
— Life Saver (@Willihock) April 20, 2016