DAGSBORO, Del. — A 17-year-old junior firefighter was killed in a crash while responding to a call Thursday afternoon.
Firefighter Justin E. Townsend, of the Dagsboro Volunteer Fire Department, was riding in the passenger seat of a Ford pickup being driven by John Morton, Jr., 18, a non-department member, who was also injured in the accident. The pair was on their way to a fire in a wooded area just outside of Dagsboro city limits when the crash occurred, according to the News Journal.
“Due to excessive speed, Morton was unable to control the pickup truck in the curve causing the right side tires to exit onto the grassy shoulder. The truck then began to spin in a counterclockwise direction sliding sideways off the west edge of roadway, striking a telephone pole before overturning onto the roof, crushing it downward into the passenger’s side compartment,” investigators said.
Firefighter Townsend was pronounced dead at the scene, while Morton is recovering from non-life threatening injuries.
Investigators say both teens were wearing seat belts.
While department members are mourning the death, neighboring crews are covering emergency calls.
The loss of Justin E. Townsend is the first line-of-duty-death in the Dagsboro Fire Department’s 69-year history.