SYLVESTER, Ga. — Two Georgia firefighters are in critical condition after a freak accident at a funeral service, according to WALB.
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The accident happened in the parking lot of Antioch Baptist Church in Sylvester on Friday morning.
Firefighters Ricky Thompson and Danny Hancock were attending the funeral services for Trenton Melton, the 18-year-old son of fellow Albany firefighter Casey Melton, WALB reports. Thompson is the battalion chief for the Albany Fire Department. Hancock is the captain.
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Numerous firefighters were attending Melton’s service to show support for the family.
WALB reported that Thompson and Hancock were standing outside of the church just before the service started when a car drove into the parking lot, hit two cars and pinned them underneath.
Hancock suffered a collapsed lung and Thompson had multiple broken bones. The driver, who wasn’t identified, was also taken to the hospital.
Thompson and Hancock are in critical condition and were life-flighted to a Tallahassee hospital.
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A firefighter told WALB that Hancock is in the ICU on a ventilator but was able to give a thumbs up that he is OK. Thompson is now responsive and talking.
Multiple members of the Albany Fire Department are in Tallahassee to support the men and their families.
Melton died July 21 from complications of kidney failure, his family said on social media.
“Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a bright and promising individual who touched the lives of so many,” Worth County High School officials wrote. “Trenton was known for his outgoing personality and enjoyed welding class and golf.”
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