Firefighter Involved In Head-On Collision While Responding To Structure Fire

HARNETT COUNTY – A Harnett County firefighter was injured in a head-on collision while responding to a structure fire late Friday night. The crash occurred around 11:00 p.m. on U.S. Highway 301, just south of Hodges Chapel Road, between the towns of Benson and Dunn.

Rodney Eason, Deputy Chief with Dunn Emergency Services, was responding from his home to a fire on South Washington Street in Dunn when the accident took place. Eason was driving a Dunn Emergency Services Ford F-250 when a pickup truck reportedly crossed the centerline and collided head-on with his emergency vehicle.

Despite sustaining injuries, Eason was able to radio for help, alerting emergency responders to the crash. Two occupants in the other pickup truck were severely pinned and required extrication by emergency crews from both Harnett and Johnston counties.

All three individuals, including Eason, were transported to the hospital for treatment.

The State Highway Patrol is investigating the collision.