SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Topeka firefighter was injured after being struck by a car while working an accident on icy Interstate 470 on Thursday.
The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 1999 Honda CRV driven by Robert Gary Cooper, 57, Topeka, was eastbound on Interstate 470 at Huntoon in lane 2.
The driver lost control of the SUV. It exited the roadway, rolled down the embankment and struck a first responder identified as 45-year-old Ty Colin Forshee. A Captain with 21-year-of service for the Topeka Fire Department, according to Fire Chief Randy Phillips.
American Medical Response transported Forshee to Stormont Vail for treatment of serious injuries. He was alert and being evaluated according to Chief Phillips.
Cooper was not injured and properly restrained, according to the KHP.
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SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Topeka firefighter was injured after being struck by a car while working an accident on icy Interstate 470 on Thursday.
Just before 8a.m. police and fire crews responded to a non-injury accident on westbound Interstate 470 near Huntoon, according to city spokesperson Gretchen Spiker.
A few minutes later, a vehicle not involved in the original accident, struck the firefighter who was working the accident. Personnel on scene provided immediate care to the firefighter.
American Medical Response transported the firefighter to a local hospital with serious injuries. The firefighter is alert at the hospital, according to Spiker.
The drivers involved in both accidents were treated on scene for minor injuries that did not require transport.
The Kansas Highway Patrol is investigating both accidents. Westbound Interstate 470 was shut down at Huntoon during the investigation. Officials did not release the name of the injured firefighter.