EAST HAMPTON, CT — A firefighter was hospitalized after being struck by a vehicle that drove through a crash scene in East Hampton on Sunday night, according to officials.
East Hampton Fire Chief Robb Rainville said it was a "very chaotic and dangerous situation" for first responders.
While the East Hampton Fire Department and East Hampton Police Department were at the scene of a two-car vehicle crash, Rainville said police tried to stop a vehicle before the accident scene.
"The vehicle fled and traveled at a high rate of speed past the emergency scene," Rainville wrote in a post on Facebook. "Approximately five minutes later, the same vehicle returned from the opposite direction. The vehicle drove around a fire truck, struck traffic cones, and struck one of our firefighters who was working at the scene."
Rainville said the firefighter was taken to the hospital with what appeared to be minor injuries.
"The vehicle continued zigzagging through the active emergency scene before eventually fleeing westbound on Route 66 toward Portland," Rainville wrote. "We are extremely fortunate that this incident did not result in more serious injuries. Firefighters, police officers, and members of the towing service were all working within the scene when this occurred.
"Emergency vehicles, cones, and traffic control measures are there to protect first responders, accident victims, and the public. Tonight's incident is a serious reminder of just how quickly an already dangerous roadside scene can become even more dangerous.
"We appreciate everyone who assisted at the scene and wish our firefighter a quick recovery."
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