By Prince Moore
A firefighter died Wednesday afternoon after he was hit by a vehicle while putting out a blaze along the Ocho Rios main road in St. Ann.
A team of firefighters was responding to a blaze at a building near Reynolds Cruise Ship Pier sometime before 3 o'clock.
A car reportedly slammed into the back of the fire truck, pinning the firefighter to the unit.
The car burst into flames on impact.
The fireman was taken to hospital where he died while undergoing treatment.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Kevin Francis, in charge of operations in St. Ann, has described the incident as unfortunate.
He said he did not yet have details on what caused the motorist to crash, but told Radio Jamaica News that the driver is being treated at St. Ann's Bay Hospital.
As road fatalities climb, DSP Francis urged motorists to "use caution and try to stay awake" as well as "try to avoid drinking alcoholic beverages whilst driving or operating motor vehicles".
