WV FFs Extricate Their Chief Trapped in Vehicle

Belington firefighters put their skills to the test Friday afternoon extricating Deputy Chief Mike Hart from his vehicle after it struck a tree.

Hart suffered a medical emergency and apparently lost consciousness while responding to the station for a vehicle fire, his brother, Chief Phil Hart, told MetroNews. 

He was flown to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital where he underwent surgery. He suffered a fractured back and ribs as well as other injuries. 

“He has a very severe scalp injury, and he’s lost a lot of blood. During the surgery, he was unstable, but they have stabilized him, and the doctors say he is in critical condition at this time,” the chief said late Friday.

Hart added: “He dedicated 50 years to the fire service in Belington. It’s a horrifying scene when you know it’s one of your members, but when you know it’s your brother.”