East Hampton, CT, Firefighter Struck by Hit-and-Run Driver at Crash Scene

“We are extremely fortunate that this incident did not result in more serious injuries,” East Hampton Fire Chief Robb Rainville wrote in a statement.

A firefighter was struck by a hit-and-run driver at an active crash scene in East Hampton on Sunday evening.

The firefighter suffered minor injuries and was evaluated at a hospital following the collision, which occurred as police and fire crews were at the scene of a two-car crash, according to the East Hampton Fire Department.

Fire officials said police tried to pull a driver over prior to the site of the initial crash, but they allegedly fled and sped through the emergency scene. About five minutes later, the same driver was allegedly seen returning from the opposite direction when they drove around a fire truck and hit multiple traffic cones before striking a firefighter, officials said.

According to fire officials, the driver could then be seen “zigzagging through the active emergency scene” before fleeing west on Route 66 toward Portland.

“We are extremely fortunate that this incident did not result in more serious injuries,” Fire Chief Robb Rainville wrote in a post on Facebook. “Firefighters, police officers and members of the towing service were all working within the scene when this occurred.

“Emergency vehicles, cones and traffic control measures are there to protect first responders, accident victims, and the public,” Rainville added.

Rainville said the incident serves as a “serious reminder of just how quickly an already dangerous roadside scene can become even more dangerous.”

“We appreciate everyone who assisted at the scene and wish our firefighter a quick recovery,” he said.

Rainville deferred any questions about the driver, pursuit and the ensuing investigation to police.

©2026 Hartford Courant. Visit courant.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

 

This piece was created with the help of generative AI tools and edited by our content team for clarity and accuracy.
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