An Alabama volunteer firefighter died in a single-vehicle crash while responding to a call Friday.
Michael Johnston, a member of the Equality Volunteer Fire Department, was on his way to a fire in Speed just before 3:30 p.m., according to the Coosa County Sheriff's Office. He was the only person in the vehicle when the accident happened.
According to the Alabama Media Group, Johnston, 45, had been behind the wheel of a 2004 GMC tanker as he headed to the brush fire. He then veered from the roadway and hit an embankment, causing the vehicle to overturn.
The force of the crash ejected Johnston from the tanker, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, the news outlet added.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mr. Johnston," the sheriff's office said in a statement. "The Coosa County Sheriff's Office would like to thank Mr. Johnston for his service …"
No other details about the crash were released, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Coosa County Coroner are investigating the incident.
