Fire Truck Strikes Firefighter In DC, Leaving Him Critically Injured: Reports

WASHINGTON, DC — A D.C. firefighter reportedly has been rushed to the hospital in critical condition after he was struck by a fire truck in Northeast late Wednesday night.

Multiple news outlets, the mayor, and D.C. Fire and EMS report that 28-year-old Dane Smothers Jr. was responding to a rowhouse fire in the 800 block of F Street NE at around 11:30 p.m. when a ladder truck hit him at the scene. His uncle, a D.C. firefighter, was also at the scene.

Smothers underwent surgery after suffering injuries above the waist.

"This incident reminds us all of the bravery and dedication of our first responders," Mayor Muriel Bowser said in a statement. "We owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with Firefighter Smothers, his family, and his fellow Fire & EMS colleagues. We will do all we can to assist them during this very difficult time."

Image via DC Fire & EMS