Trending Topics

‘This is going to hurt': N.C. FF recalls being struck by car at MVC

Dashcam footage shows the moment a car hit a Cotton firefighter as he worked a crash scene in Cumberland County—sending him flying

CUMBERLAND COUNTY, N.C. — Dashcam video captured the moment a car struck a firefighter in Cumberland County while working at the scene of a motor vehicle collision, the Cotton Volunteer Fire Department reported.

The initial crash occurred at approximately 8:00 a.m. on May 2 on U.S. Highway 301 North. While first responders were working, a passing vehicle struck another car, a fire engine and Cotton Firefighter Waymon Hudson, WRAL reported.

“I looked at the car, and I remember saying ‘this is going to hurt,’” Hudson said. “I saw the sky, the road and I was lying down on the road looking at everyone looking down on me.”

The video also shows first responders rushing to aid firefighter Hudson, who was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He later shared that he broke five ribs and expects a 6-to-8 week recovery. In a Facebook post, Hudson wrote, “This was completely preventable. A lot of lives could have been lost here.”

According to the N.C. State Highway Patrol, the driver was cited for not having a valid license and failing to reduce speed. North Carolina’s move-over law requires drivers to slow down or switch lanes when approaching stopped emergency vehicles.


Roadway incidents are highly hazardous hot zones for EMS and other public safety personnel
Trending
Controversial bills from Rep. Mark Pless failed to pass in chambers, bringing relief to emergency medical professionals who feared weakened standards
The best feedback is timely, relevant, specific and actionable
Ulster County has approved a funding plan boosting ambulance services, offering targeted support, performance incentives and EMS oversight
Lancaster EMS opened its $6 million headquarters while recognizing the critical role of CPR training and a strong emergency response system

Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.