VA Firefighter Dies In Crash During Tropical Storm Michael

HANOVER COUNTY, VA—A firefighter in Hanover County was killed Thursday, Oct. 11 while responding to a crash during Tropical Storm Michael, Virginia State Police say. Hanover County Fire-EMS identified the firefighter as Lt. Brad Clark from Station 6.

Around 9 p.m., first responders were providing aid on scene of a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 295 north of exit 38B. A tractor trailer rear-ended the fire truck, and the impact struck four firefighters.

Clark died of his injuries on the scene and two other firefighters were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. As of Friday afternoon, one was in stable but serious condition and the other was stable.

The tractor trailer driver, Lester Labarge, 49, of California, Maryland, was extricated from the truck and also went to the hospital with serious injuries. He was charged with reckless driving and was cited for defective brakes.

Police say the fire truck had its emergency lights activated when the crash happened. The crash remains under investigation.

State Police confirmed the crash was related to Tropical Storm Michael. The area had been hit with heavy rain and tornado warnings as the storm passed through.

The Hanover County Fire-EMS Department thanked residents for their support and said it would release additional information when appropriate. "We've been humbled by the show of support during this difficult time, wrote the fire department on Twitter. "Please know, we are in a difficult position with balancing the family's needs and quickly pushing out information."

At least four other fatalities related to Tropical Storm Michael have been confirmed across the state. All four related to moving floodwaters carrying people away.

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Image via Hanover County Fire-EMS