By FireRescue1 Staff
WASHINGTON — A rookie D.C. firefighter who was injured after being struck by a ladder truck at the scene of a house fire last week is still in critical condition.
FOX5DC reported that firefighter Dane Smothers Jr., 28, was preparing equipment when a ladder truck arriving at the scene hit him. His injuries were described as traumatic; he was knocked unconscious and paramedics revived him with CPR.
Smothers has been a D.C. firefighter for about two months. He has two uncles who are also D.C. firefighters – one of them responded to the fire where he was injured.
His family issued a statement last week, asking for privacy.
“As you all are aware, Dane Smothers Jr. was critically injured on the scene of a fire … he is currently in Washington Medstar Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit. We ask that you please respect our privacy and keep him in your prayers.”
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the incident “reminds us all of the bravery and dedication of our first responders.”