Car Strikes Firefighters At Scene Of Fiery Accident
Car Strikes Firefighters At Scene Of Fiery Accident Save Email Print
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(September 27, 2008)—A passing pickup truck struck two Nolanville firefighters and a passerby who evidently stopped to help after a fiery motorcycle accident on U.S. Highway 190 that claimed the life of a Fort Hood soldier early Saturday morning.

The firefighters and the unidentified passerby were in Scott & White Hospital in Temple late Saturday morning.

The fiery motorcycle crash happened around 3 a.m. on eastbound 190 near Nolanville Hill.

A Nolanville Fire Department spokesman said the motorcycle on which a Fort Hood soldier was riding slammed into the rear of a car and burst into flames.

The soldier was taken to Scott & White where he was later pronounced dead.

As emergency crews prepared to leave the accident scene, a passing pickup whose driver swerved to avoid another vehicle that had slowed down, struck a Nolanville fire truck, the two firefighters and the passerby.

One firefighter was airlifted to Scott & White and the other two victims were taken to Scott & White by ambulance.

The firefighters, who were identified as Andrew Gemmell and William Anderson, were treated at Scott & White Hospital and later released.

Information about the condition of the third victim wasn’t immediately available.

(Lon Curtis, Gus Elliott and Stephanie Franks contributed to this story)
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Posted by: VFD Location: Here on Oct 4, 2008 at 05:40 PM
SPC B. The driver who hit the firefighters was NOT drunk. Get your facts straight. As for the rest of the naysayers and other people putting their own two cents in. If you weren't on scene, don't profess that you all know what happened, the circumstances surrounding it, or the aftermath. There are about 30 people who know the whole story from beginning to end. SSG Rod, you are not even close. SPC B, close, but still wrong.
Posted by: SPC. B Location: 1 ACB on Oct 1, 2008 at 03:43 PM
i know im in the soldiers brigade and i DO know what happened. the soldier left the bar and him and his buddy were on their motorcycles and the soldier that died decided he wanted to go 120 while he was already drunk, he murged off the highway and hit the back of a mustang, who was also driving drunk, then while the paramedics where out there, another drunk driver came and hit the paramedics! all this couldve been avoided if none of them were driving drunk! i know the story because my brigade csm and cdr let us know exactly what happened.
Posted by: volunteer firefighter Location: belton on Oct 1, 2008 at 01:30 PM
SSG ROD......"HEROES" DON'T TRY TO KILL THEMSELVES ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY ARE OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER. THIS WAS A SENSELESS ACT OF ONE SOLDIER NOT WANTING TO DEPLOY AGAIN. I am not in the military but everybody in this area has some connection to the military and therefore some respect for the military. my father was in the military for 21 years. Right now my brother and sister in law are in iraq. i have the utmost respect for all soldiers, especially the ones that go to fight. i do not have respect for the ones that do not want to deploy and put other peoples lives at risk trying not to. you are right that this was another senseless act. the question you should ask yourself is who caused the senseless act. was it your soldier or the volunteer firefighters that were there doing everything they could to try and save his life? Maybe you should show a bit more respect for the people including the good samaritan. He had the same mission we did. save someone's life.
Posted by: volunteer firefighter Location: belton on Oct 1, 2008 at 01:06 PM
SSG Rod, i am not in the military but i do personally know about the soldiers that do not want to deploy trying to kill themselves. these soldiers go to the bars and flip their cars off highways, into light poles and anything else that gets in the way. they don't care who gets hurt as long as they are killed or injured and don't have to deploy again. i was almost a victim in one of these incidents myself. maybe you should get your soldiers under control. were you at the hospital the night that all these people got injured? i was on scene less than 3 minutes after they said firefighters injured. i was at the hospital and we were checking and getting updates on ALL people involved including your soldier. All the people out on that scene were trying to save your soldier's life. did you stop and think that maybe it bothers us when we put ANY accident victim into an ambulance or helicopter and worry about how that person is doing and yet to hear nothing. we care about EVERYBODY!!!
Posted by: observer Location: temple on Sep 30, 2008 at 09:41 PM
Just saying is all: Yes, there are motorcycle riders out there that act irresponlible. Some are dangerous to themself as well as other motorists. But to call all motorcycle riders idiots is very ignorent on your part. You don't like bikers, I get that. However, riding a motorcyle myself, I can not count the number of times I got forced off the road, cut off, almost run over and so on by people in vehicles. I am forced to give everyone the right of way, wheather or not they have a stop sign, red light or are turning in front of me. I have to do this to stay alive. But I do not go around calling all people in cars morons or jerks, because that is not fact. Vehicles are a geat deal more dangerous to bikes then bikes are to vehicles.
Posted by: BILL Location: CLOSE BY on Sep 30, 2008 at 05:36 PM
SSG Rod for your information the 3 responders that got hit 2 are service members in the ARMY and one just got out of the ARMY. They all served in IRAQ and they all have served there COUNTRY with HONOR and PRIDE. But they went one step further. they tried to save another persons life at there own personnal risk. I am sorry for your loss I bet he was a good soldier. Just remember that there are more than one in the service. Thank you.
Posted by: Volunteer FF/Paid EMT Location: Central Texas on Sep 30, 2008 at 11:46 AM
It is truly upsetting that the firefighters got injured while working the wreck but.... "Just saying is all" do you have to make such a generalized statment such as "all of you idiots riding motorcycles, Pay more friggin attention, follow All traffic rules and be SAFE." While it is unfortunate that this soldier died while riding his bike. You shouldn't assume that ALL bikers disobey traffic laws and ride in an unsafe manner...I have been in the fire service for 10 years and in EMS for 11 years and seen more stupid people on 4 wheels than 2....just my .02
Posted by: Texan Location: Texas on Sep 30, 2008 at 10:33 AM
How horrible. Anytime there's a person or vehicle on the side of the road I make sure I get over into the opposite lane just for safety precautions. I don't know if this was just carelessness or the same of what I see everyday with motorists, but a few safety precautions go a LONG way, and these men might still be alive if the drivers had been more cautious of their surroundings. God Bless the Families.
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Sep 30, 2008 at 07:13 AM
I'd like to add that on the way home as I was taking the Stan Schlueter exit a motorcycle rider excellerated and pulled to the left onto the shoulder and passed 3 of us. He had to have been doing 60 in the rocks and debri.
Posted by: ME Location: HERE AND NOW on Sep 29, 2008 at 10:37 PM
I feel bad for the families of all involved. The thing that gets me most and I'm sure that more will come out of this over the coming weeks. But the actions of one soldier affect more than just himself. Glad to hear that those in the Mustang that got hit are doing okay. Hope we can learn from the mistakes of others because unfortunately we won't live long enough to make them all ourselves
Posted by: dude Location: hewitt on Sep 29, 2008 at 03:41 PM
No one said they did not care about the people in the mustang. If they were injured the news would have reported it.What were the kids doing out at 3:00am, o let me guess they were returning home from work.
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Sep 29, 2008 at 03:25 PM
SSG Rod. Your comments are out of line. The story has many facets from the soldier to the responders. Should they ignore the fact that some idiot in a truck hit them to focus on the motorcycle rider that started all this? I work on ft Hood and have worked in and around the Army for over 20 years so while I hold soldiers with the utmost respect, all of you idiots riding motorcycles, Pay more friggin attention, follow ALL traffic rules and be SAFE. For all you rubber neckers....your a pain in the butt and a DANGER to everyone.
Posted by: Dale Location: Belton on Sep 29, 2008 at 01:31 PM
My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved in this incident. The folks in the mustang are cared about... The deceased soldier will be sorely missed!!! The injured VOLUNTEERS and BYSTANDER will hopefully recover both physically and mentally. We as Volunteer Firefighters/EMT's care about all that were involved!! It hits close to home when we are out VOLUNTEERING and someone hits us while trying to perform our duties as good citizens. God Bless each person involved in the incident
Posted by: From 'round here Location: Gatesville on Sep 29, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Obviously many are missing the point in this article. This is to once again remind people of the importance of driving carefully when approaching an emergency scene...not to serve as a claim to fame for the soldier who died, the firefighters/passer-by who were injured, nor those in the mustang. Tragically, all could have been avoided and yes, another Hero has met his fate, but let's not lose focus.
Posted by: susie Location: central texas on Sep 29, 2008 at 11:20 AM
So sad. Prayers for all involved. Ever think that just maybe the soldier 'DIDNT' want to re-deploy?
Posted by: Kim Location: Temple on Sep 29, 2008 at 08:09 AM
What about the poor kids in the Mustang that got hit by the motorcycle? Anybody care about them? They were driving along minding their own business when they got slammed from behind. Not one mention of these boys on any newscast I have seen or heard. Pitiful. If anybody cares, they are both fine, if a little shook up. The driver of the Mustang got out and helped the paramedics and was doing anything he could to help the poor guy on the motorcycle. I am really glad the firefighters are ok, but I am really upset that nobody mentioned my friends in the Mustang.
Posted by: kamala czymbor Location: Hammond, In 46324 on Sep 28, 2008 at 07:57 PM
The story about the firefighters accident was informational, the Chief of the fire dept. who was struck was my son-in-law. I check your newschannel often because my family lives in Harker Heights. Thanks Kamala Czymbor
Posted by: Dave Location: Belton on Sep 28, 2008 at 05:22 PM
finishing - picking up after a tragic wreck. No one has been forgotten - the soldiers, the volunteer firefighters nor the good Samaritan's - Thanks to all for doing a difficult job.
Posted by: Dave Location: Belton on Sep 28, 2008 at 05:19 PM
SSG - I salute you sir and your friend that died in this accident. The focue is on an accident where someone got killed and a person that was kind enough to stop and help the volunteer first responders from Nolanville were involved in an accident following the original one. The volunteers and the passerby were doing what most people don't want to do or can't do.
Posted by: unknown Location: copperas cove on Sep 28, 2008 at 03:16 PM
Get a Life SSG rod
Posted by: Me Location: Texas on Sep 28, 2008 at 02:37 PM
SSG Rod, the soldier was doing in excess of 110 mph according to the initial accident investigation. Yes, it is sad that he died. However, when you do dumb things, you usually pay for it.
Posted by: jan Location: here on Sep 28, 2008 at 02:16 PM
SSG rod knows not near what he thinks he knows. Find the police report or ask the passenger how fast the motorcycle was going? Was alcohol involved? Yes, a soldier's life was lost, but people trying to save HIS life were injured in the process. It is a shame.
Posted by: Nick Location: Temple on Sep 28, 2008 at 01:45 PM
I hate to say it, but as soldiers return from combat they have a sence of immortality and do not make the best decisions. since everyone is speculating, i will too. i bet the soldier had just left the bar, was travelling at a very unsafe speed and hit a car. it doesnt matter if the car was moving or parked. he obviously was not paying attention or was chemically impaired. it is a tragety that he was killed. The first responders were on scene trying to save lives and to do their jobs and for people to say that it is part of their job to take that risk is rediculous. They were there doing a job that no one apprecitaes and that everyone looks at like they could have things differently for a better outcome. how about saying i appreciate the fact that these brave men are risking their lives to save ours or that they put themselves in harms way to to tre releive some of our suffering.
Posted by: Resident Location: Nolanville on Sep 28, 2008 at 09:53 AM
SSG Rod, WOW, what a comment. Maybe you know more to the story than what has been written. Folks can only go by what they read. Until the facts of the accident come out, more personal comments cannot be written. It sounds like a horrific accident and a soldiers life was lost. The story does not say if he hit a parked car, was cut off, or ran into the back of a moving vehicle. Your comment was out of line...obviously...you know more than the others know...
Posted by: Aly Location: Waco Area on Sep 28, 2008 at 08:18 AM
There is s state law-WHEN APPROACHING AN EMERGENCY VEHICLE WITH IT'S LIGHTS FLASHING-ALL DRIVERS TO: 1) SLOW TO AT LEAST 10 MPH UNDER THE SPEED LIMIT; OR 2) MOVE TO ANOTHER LANE OF TRAFFIC, OR BOTH. Obviously, this incident would not have happened if all of the drivers had obeyed this law. It is sad enough that a man lost his life in the accident, but to have someone to hurt responders is unthinkable. Charges should be filed. My sympathy to all involved.
Posted by: Jason Location: Afghanistan on Sep 28, 2008 at 04:47 AM
I agree that it is sad that another Soldier has lost his life but was he riding safely? It is sad that two, more than likely Volunteer Fire Fighters were injuried as they were attempting to leave the scene. The car that had slowed down was doing the right thing by Texas State Law and the driver of the car that hit the three people should be charged to the fullest extent.
Posted by: Charles Location: Swallow on Sep 28, 2008 at 02:35 AM
I agree with the previous poster. The story has been taken away from the Soldier and given to those that have survived. No one has forgotten our true heros out there.
Posted by: SSG Rod Location: Killreen on Sep 27, 2008 at 07:06 PM
I am shocked and utterly disappointed. Although it is sad that these first responders were struck by a vehicle, the primary focus should have been on why they were out there. I know the Soldier that died, he served in Iraq and was due to deploy again if you want to focus on something try drawing attention as to why they were hit on an accident site that was not adequately protected in some other story. The real story was the senseless death of yet another one of America's Hero's, or have you already forgotten about us?
Posted by: Anon Location: Waco on Sep 27, 2008 at 06:59 PM
That is exactly why people need to mind their own business when you see a wreck with police on the side of the road. More fatilities happen when nosey people slow down to get a glimpse of what is going on. All families involved will be in my prayers.
Posted by: Michelle Location: Central TX on Sep 27, 2008 at 05:18 PM
Sounds like this driver was not paying attention or slowed down for the accident. The cycle rider obviously wasn't paying attention. Hope alcohol was not a factor..RIP young man...prayers are with the others involved.
Posted by: Faith Location: California on Sep 27, 2008 at 05:11 PM
The passerby is my son, Michael Heyman. I received a phone call at 3:24 am from a very compassionate er nurse at Scott & White Hospital. He's having surgery today/multiple injuries. The wait...is agonizing. The article did not mention the driver who hit the two firemen and my son. Any update?
Posted by: jeff Location: Belton on Sep 27, 2008 at 12:02 PM
The LAW says you must move over and slow down when there is emergancy Equiptment on the roadway. Must means you have to. I see so many people that do not move over or slow down when passing emergancy personal on our roadways. A stiff fine needs to be given. A tow truck driver cleaning up was also brushed by another driver in a pickup after most of the fire and police Equiptment were leaving.
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