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Fatality Confirmed in Fire Station Inferno

At least one person was reportedly killed when a dump truck slammed into the Leithsville Fire Company in Lower Saucon Township Thursday.

 

UPDATE: The dump truck driver, 42-year-old Michael Thomas, is reported to be in stable condition at Lehigh Valley Hospital. WFMZ is reporting that the person who is confirmed dead was found inside a second vehicle in the ruins of the fire station.

Thursday afternoon's dump truck accident and the ensuing fire at the Leithsville Fire Company in Lower Saucon Township resulted in at least one fatality, according to an updated story published by the Express-Times tonight.

Northampton County Coroner Zachary Lysek said the investigation into the incident has revealed the possibility that multiple vehicles were involved in the crash that sparked the fire, but declined further comment, the paper reported.

The driver of the dump truck that crashed into the front of the fire station reportedly suffered burns in the three-alarm fire that subsequently erupted, and was taken to an area hospital, but it remains unclear if his injuries were or are considered life-threatening.

June Schoenenberger, a Leithsville Road resident who called 911 after hearing the accident and witnessing the fire, said the driver was helped to safety by several men who were working in the yard of a neighboring property.

Companies from as far away as Warren County, New Jersey and Trexlertown, Lehigh County raced to the scene of the blaze after it was first reported at about 1pm.

Late in the afternoon, local crews remained at the scene of the fire, while volunteer companies from Palmer Township and Bucks County helped provide coverage for the Saucon Valley area.

Related Topics: Dump Truck accident, Fatality, Leithsville Fire Company, Lower Saucon fire, and Northampton County coroner

Edward A. Wolfe

11:48 pm on Thursday, May 24, 2012

I praise June Schoenenberger for her actions with responding to this tragity as quick as she did. Peggy and I thank you for your FAST actions.

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Renee

11:33 am on Friday, May 25, 2012

Is someone setting up a special fund or should donations go to the general fund? Please provide the community with correct information to send donations to Leithsville Fire Company.

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Josh Popichak

11:41 am on Friday, May 25, 2012

Hi Renee. I'm not aware of a special fund as of yet but I will share that information when/if one is established. Leithsville Fire Company has been involved in an ongoing, state-approved merger with Se-Wy-Co Fire Company, and the merger was scheduled to be completed in June. For that reason I would advise you to direct all questions about donations to Se-Wy-Co Fire Company at (610) 861-0450, or visit http://www.sewyco-fc.org/. If anyone knows of a special fund being set up, please share that information by posting a comment. Thank you.

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