An Anderson County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) crew returned from a call Tuesday with an unexpected story to tell. Jessie Hill and Nick Hill were heading back to Clinton from Oak Ridge when their ambulance was hit by a bluegill fish from above. The EMS Director Nathan Sweet described the moment to WBIR as "a loud thud on the roof of their ambulance, followed by a few more, softer thuds."
The incident occurred while driving along South Charles G. Seivers Boulevard. According to the EMS personnel, they pulled over quickly to see what had happened, only to find a live bluegill fish atop their vehicle. The two crew members endeavored to swiftly get the fish to the nearby Clinch River in an attempt to save it, as WATE reported. Despite their efforts, the fish did not survive the ordeal.
The curious case of the flying bluegill has led officials to surmise that the fish was likely dropped by a bird, possibly a hawk, which had captured it. There is no belief at present among the EMS crews that this is an incident indicative of a new variety of precipitation — fish rain is not expected in the weather forecasts.
Although attempts were made to save the bluegill, the valiant efforts of the EMS crew were not enough to ensure its survival after the unexpected drop. "They attempted to save the bluegill by getting it to the nearby Clinch River," Nathan Sweet told WVLT. Anderson County Emergency Medical Services has not had a previous encounter quite like this one and continues to provide service in the region, now perhaps a little more watchful of the skies above.
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