LAMAR COUNTY, Mississippi – Two firefighters were killed and a third injured after they were struck by a hit-and-run driver while directing traffic at the scene of a dump truck accident.
WDAM reports that three Sumrall Volunteer Fire Department firefighters were assisting with the traffic flow after a dump truck became entangled in power lines following an accident at the intersection of Mississippi 589 and Oloh Road after 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening.
The Larmar County Coroner identified the deceased as Alvin Beasley, 80, and Loretta Ann Sykes, 53. Both were pronounced dead on the scene. The injured firefighter was transported to Forrest General Hospital. There is no word on his condition.
Sumrall Police Chief Chris Dugan says that the vehicle that struck the firefighters was stopped in a residential area approximately six miles from the accident scene. The driver was taken into custody and transported to the Lamar County Jail. He is reportedly facing a felony charge for leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death. Additional charges are expected.
The Sumrall Police Department along the with Lamar County Sheriff’s Department and the Mississippi Highway Patrol are investigating the incident.
Lamar County Fire Coordinator George Stevens told WDAM that these are the first two firefighters killed in the line of duty during his career.
Lamar County Sheriff Fire Dispatch Scanner Audio, ScannerAudio
The Clarion Ledger: 2 Sumrall firefighters killed on scene by hit-and-run driver
WDAM: Victims identified in hit-and-run accident in Lamar Co.
