Joseph Kohut
The Times-Tribune, Scranton, Pa.
BENTON TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A volunteer firefighter was injured late Sunday night while trying to douse flames that were consuming an old farm house in a Benton Twp. village.
That firefighter was hospitalized overnight and was discharged early Monday morning, Fleetville Volunteer Fire Company Chief Tony Saxton said.
Saxton did not identify the firefighter or the department in which he volunteers.
“We did have a firefighter injured but he was discharged from the hospital,” Saxton said. “He’s going to be fine.”
Fire crews from Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wyoming counties rushed to 15582 state Route 407 at about 9:30 p.m.
The back of the two-story home was engulfed in flames, its white exterior charred and blackened. There was heavy damage through the house. Smoke poured off of it.
While trying to quell the flames from the interior, a ceiling collapsed on the firefighter, injuring him, Saxton said.
Horrific screams came from inside the home. Firefighters shouted “mayday.” They climbed inside through smashed windows to rescue the injured firefighter. He appeared to be unconscious as crews wheeled him to an ambulance.
A state police fire marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
———
©2020 The Times-Tribune (Scranton, Pa.)