LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Two people were critically injured in a Meade County crash involving an ambulance that hit a volunteer firefighter collecting for the Crusade for Children.
Kentucky State Police said the crash happened at the intersection of U.S. 60 and the Joe Prather Highway just before 8 p.m. Tuesday.
KSP said the Meade County EMS vehicle had its lights and sirens on, when it was hit by a 2006 Chevrolet Impala driven by an Irvington, Kentucky, man.
The impact caused the ambulance to roll over and hit Flaherty Fire Department volunteer fireman, Lloyd Claycomb, who was collecting donations for the Crusade for Children. The ambulance then hit a 2021 Ford F-350 pickup.
The Claycomb and the driver of the Impala were flown to University of Louisville Hospital with possible life-threatening injuries. The ambulance driver and a passenger were taken to Baptist Health Hardin and are expected to recover. The driver of the pickup was not injured.
Flaherty is a small town fire department with a close-knit group of 44 volunteers that keeps watch over the community. This time of year, the department spends time helping the Crusade for Children.
The intersection of U.S. 60 and the Joe Prather Highway is prone to collisions, according to Kentucky State Police. June 1, 2022
“It’s a big thing in our community. We got a community that likes to donate, they enjoy seeing us out there," said Flaherty Fire chief Roger Rose.
Claycomb has been a firefighter since 1996. He had been with another department before joining Flaherty. Rose has been with the department 20 years and knows Claycomb and his family.
Claycomb's son Joey is also a volunteer with the department and helps his dad run a fishing tournament to benefit the Crusade.
Rose said Joey Claycomb responded to the crash Tuesday night, but once the chief realized the situation, he sent him home to get his mom and head to the hospital.
“I want Lloyd to get better and I want him to get better in a hurry because a loss like that would be devastating for us,” Rose said. He added, “He’s in a lot of pain but he’s awake. His son said his color’s better, so.”
The judge executive's office said Meade County EMS has back up ambulances, and this incident should not effect emergency services in the county.
KSP Trooper Scotty Sharp said no charges are expected in the investigation. “We hope and pray everybody gets back fully recovered and be safe.” He calls it a terrible accident, but Sharp said the intersection of U.S. 60 and the Joe Prather Highway is known for collisions.
The Flaherty Fire Department continued collecting donations for the Crusade on Wednesday, but changes are being made.
“I will not do roadblock on Highway 60 and 313 for the rest of this year, and I will have to think about if I really want to be on that road next year," said Chief Rose.
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