Man Extricated From Vehicle Following Saturday Morning Rollover in Railroad Township

Pictures captured by automatic helmet-mounted camera
Photo Source: North Judson-Wayne Township FD

A driver was safely extricated from his truck by firefighters with the North Judson-Wayne Township Volunteer Fire Department following a single-vehicle rollover accident in Railroad Township Saturday morning. 

According to Captain Eric Wappel, a call about an incident on U.S. 421, south of 650 S. came in around 8 a.m.

The captain reported a fast turnout and said that within 3 to 4 minutes of receiving the tone, 4 firefighters left for the scene in a rescue engine and an additional 3 followed behind to help with traffic and man power. He said 10 more firefighters were on standby at their station.

According to the captain’s report, the icy roads required the teams to drive a little slower than usual but they were able to make it to the scene within about 8 to 9 minutes. He shared that the North Judson Police Department and Starke County EMS also responded and the Railroad Township Fire Department assisted with traffic control.

Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a 1500 cab and half pick-up truck upside down in a ditch, partially on its driver said. Wappel said the officer in charge made a quick call to cut out the passenger seat and middle seat to attempt to pull the driver out of the passenger side.

Once the passenger and middle seats were removed, firefighters found the driver’s leg was pinned behind the steering wheel so the wheel was removed. After that, they were able to access the driver and within 15 minutes he was fully extricated.

Wappel said the driver was able to stand and didn’t appear to have any serious injuries but he was transported to the hospital Medic 3.