999 worker dies as ambulance hit
AN ambulance technician has died after an object smashed through his vehicle’s windscreen as he was responding to a 999 call.
The technician, who was in the passenger seat, died at the scene.
His crewmate, who was driving, was injured in the incident, which happened yesterday morning near the village of Moreton on Lugg, north of Hereford.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, nothing could be done to save our colleague, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
“His crewmate received treatment at hospital and has subsequently been discharged.”
The Midlands Air Ambulance, two emergency ambulance crews and paramedics attended the incident.
West Midlands Ambulance Service chief executive Anthony Marsh said: “This is truly awful news and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and colleagues of those involved at this very difficult time.
“I am enormously proud of all the staff and the university students as part of their clinical placement that worked so hard to try to save our colleague.”
West Mercia Police are asking anyone who saw the accident or has dashcam footage to contact them.
But last night the force played down speculation the ambulance was hit by a missile. It said: “While we are in the early stages of the investigation we do not believe this is how the collision occurred.”
The tragedy came after a paramedic was slashed across the face with a blade while attending an incident.
They were attacked while helping a member of the public on Friday night inteesside. Police were called and two volunteer officers were also assaulted.
A woman was arrested after a search of the area.