A Seminole County deputy is recovering in the hospital after crashing into an overpass support in the Sanford area. Seminole County firefighters responded to the crash on South Orange Avenue, where an on-ramp to State Road 46 passes over the road near Wayside Drive at about 10:25 a.m. Saturday morning. The patrol car then caught fire before the 33-year-old officer was removed from the vehicle. According to the Orlando Fire Department, an off-duty lieutenant who was taking his son to a soccer game witnessed the crash and helped rescue the deputy. Lt. Ben Wootsen was on his way to take his son to a soccer game when he saw the crash. In a Facebook post, OFD says, “He immediately jumped into action, once he got out of his personal vehicle, removing the deputy who was trapped inside the burning vehicle while making sure his son was safe in the car”. The deputy was transported as a trauma alert to a local hospital by Seminole County Fire Rescue crews. The deputy is listed in stable condition at the hospital and the sheriff’s office said they were alert and able to communicate with medical personnel. OFD says Lt. Wootsen’s bravery and sacrifice is a reminder of how firefighters are never off duty. They also said that training and preparing for situations like this can make all the difference when seconds count. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash. The Florida Department of Transportation was also contacted to inspect the bridge structure following the crash and vehicle fire. Top headlines: ‘Every parent’s worst nightmare’: 13-year-old Lake County girl diagnosed with autoimmune disease Report: Insurance provider plans to raise some Florida home coverage rates 50% Conference civil rights at Florida university canceled due to student ‘discomfort’
A Seminole County deputy is recovering in the hospital after crashing into an overpass support in the Sanford area.
Seminole County firefighters responded to the crash on South Orange Avenue, where an on-ramp to State Road 46 passes over the road near Wayside Drive at about 10:25 a.m. Saturday.
The patrol car then caught fire before the 33-year-old officer was removed from the vehicle.
According to the Orlando Fire Department, an off-duty lieutenant who was taking his son to a soccer game witnessed the crash and helped rescue the deputy.
Lt. Ben Wootsen was taking his son to a soccer game when he saw the crash.
In a Facebook post, OFD says, “He immediately jumped into action, once he got out of his personal vehicle, extricating the deputy who was trapped inside the burning vehicle while making sure his son was safe in the car”.
The deputy was transported as a trauma alert to a local hospital by Seminole County Fire Rescue crews.
The deputy is listed in stable condition at the hospital, and the sheriff’s office said they were alert and able to communicate with medical personnel.
OFD says Lt. Wootsen’s bravery and sacrifice is a reminder of how firefighters are never off duty. They also said that training and preparing for situations like this can make all the difference when seconds count.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash.
The Florida Department of Transportation was also contacted to inspect the bridge structure following the crash and vehicle fire.
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