Two Safety Harbor firefighters are in varying stages of recovery after a harrowing incident last week when an SUV careened into them at their fire station, according to officials. Fire Captain Joseph Hans, critically injured in the accident, has returned home to recover, while Firefighter Ryan Craig is already back on duty following treatment at the scene for less severe injuries. The Safety Harbor Fire Department conveyed their optimism through social media, stating, "Although Captain Hans still has a long road ahead of him, we are confident he will make a full recovery." This sentiment was echoed by local support, as mentioned in FOX 13 News.
The accident occurred at Safety Harbor Fire Station 53 on McMullen Booth Road where the fire crew had been engaged in maintenance work outside their station. "Captain Hans was thrown a significant distance," detailed a GoFundMe page set up to assist with his medical expenses. A 63-year-old motorist who, though advised to tow her car after a transmission failure, veered unexpectedly off course and collided with the station where firefighters were washing a truck outside, according to Pinellas County Sheriff's Office statements obtained by WTSP. Meanwhile, indicating the close-knitness of their brethren, the department's Facebook page acknowledged the community and fellow first responders: "Thank you to our entire community and first responder agencies for your unyielding support of Safety Harbor Fire Department during a tragic firefighter injury."
Following the incident, as swiftly reported by FOX 13 News, both firefighters received prompt attention—Hans hospitalised with serious injuries, while Craig was promptly treated at the scene. Captain Hans was discharged from the hospital and continues his recovery at home. Captain Hans, despite the severity of his injuries, has been projected a full recovery by his department.
The driver of the SUV also reportedly sustained injuries in the crash, though non-life threatening as per officials. After being provided assistance by a deputy due to the disabled SUV before the crash, and helping the driver to move it off the road, the vehicle then crashed into the firehouse wall as the driver attempted to navigate to a safe location. No charges are expected to be brought against her, with mechanical failure seen to be largely contributing to her loss of control, as discussed in the coverage provided by Fire Engineering.
