Miss. Firefighter Dies, 2 Seriously Injured in Fire Truck Crash

Sept. 09--The Meridian Fire Department is mourning the death of a firefighter following a crash Friday morning while his truck was en route to an emergency call.

Firefighter Eric Gustafson, 40, originally of New Orleans, was killed and two colleagues were seriously injured when their fire truck rolled over around 9 a.m. on Old Eighth Street Road near the Jaycee soccer complex.

The death and injuries were confirmed by Meridian Fire Chief Anthony Clayton and Mayor Percy Bland. Firefighter Gustafson's identity was released late Friday afternoon by Lauderdale County Coroner Clayton Cobler.

Firefighter Gustafson was the driver of the truck.

"We had an auto accident this morning involving Engine 3," Clayton said in a statement. "It wrecked on the way to a run, responding to an equipment trailer that was on fire. The next thing we knew we were getting a call from central a truck had flipped. The Deputy Chief and I immediately left Central, along with Metro Ambulance, Meridian Police Department, the Sheriff's Department. Everyone pitched in to help. Unfortunately one of our firefighters passed away at the scene."

Clayton said he had contacted Firefighter Gustafson's family.

One seriously injured firefighter was taken by helicopter from Anderson Regional Medical Center to a Jackson hospital. Another firefighter was in stable but critical condition at a local hospital.

They were identified as Capt. Jeff Stuart and Firefighter David Carney. It was not immediately available which firefighter was flown to Jackson.

Meridian Fire Department officials said late Friday afternoon both firefighters were improving.

Meridian Police Department Sgt. Dareall Thompson said the Meridian Police Department reconstruction team will be investigating the accident to determine the cause.

"It has been a bad morning, you just never know when you leave home for the day," Clayton said. "Thirty-four years this month of placing stuff in that box, that you have to have to function in this life and world, but that box is getting full for me. The guys did good, but they are hurting. But, as the Chief, I have to deal with it -- I will take care of it."

Cobler was called to the scene, and Bland and other city officials later joined responders there.

"It is a sad day for us here in Meridian," Bland said. "It is a call as a mother, father, brother, sister, friend, or co-worker that you never want to get. I would like for the community to pray for our firemen and the entire department. We will have counselors communicating with those on the scene, and those that are going to be affected by what happened today."

The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors issued a statement after the accident: "The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors extends our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, fellow firefighters, and the City of Meridian in the death of the City of Meridian firefighter this morning. Our hearts go out to all of those touched by the life of this amazing young man. We will be in constant prayer for everyone affected by such a tragic loss. His heroic service to our community is greatly appreciated and will truly be missed."

Old Eighth Street Road was closed about a mile east of the accident at 65th Avenue while responders worked at the scene.

Two ambulances rushed eastward from the scene with their sirens on and lights flashing around 9:25 a.m. and another left the scene later at a slower pace.

Lauderdale County Sheriff's Department, Meridian Fire Department and Meridian Police vehicles were still rushing to the scene a half hour after the accident. Police cars escorted the ambulances as they departed.

Two large wreckers and one small one also headed toward the accident scene.

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