JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — One Ark. firefighter was killed, and another firefighter and a police officer were critically injured after being struck by a vehicle Monday night.
Capt. Donald Jones, a 31-year veteran of the Jacksonville Fire Department, died as he, Firefighter Jason Bowmaster and a police officer were responding to a single-vehicle crash that broke a gas main when they were hit, according to 4029TV.
The driver of a van allegedly veered off the road and around barriers and struck the three responders.
One firefighter was pronounced dead at the scene, and the other two are in critical condition.
“A Fire Chief’s worst nightmare is the loss of a fellow firefighter that has been killed in the Line of Duty,” Fire Chief John Vanderhoof said in a statement.
Bryce Allen, 47, has been charged with second-degree murder and two counts of criminal intent to commit second-degree murder because he did not try to stop, Police Capt. Kenny Boyd told Arkansas Matters.
A witness at the scene said Allen told authorities his gas pedal was stuck.