MHP: White 4-door caused wreck, severely injuring firefighter

Officials have confirmed that another vehicle was in the wrong lane, forcing a Monterey fire truck off the road and severely injuring a 22-year-old firefighter.

Ben Haskins is in critical condition after the truck wrecked en route to a traffic call around lunchtime Sunday.

Haskins, who graduated from the Mississippi State Fire Academy's 1001 class in December, is also a National Guardsman.

Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey said the truck was on Highway 469 headed to the call when it left the road, hit a tree and turned over. Witnesses told officials that a vehicle came over into Haskins' lane, and he swerved to avoid the vehicle, causing the accident. The other vehicle did not stop.

Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Henry said at least one witness verified that a white four-door car was southbound on Highway 469 and crossed over the center line, forcing the fire truck off the roadway. A witness told officials that it happened so fast they weren't able to get a make or model of the vehicle.

Haskins was entrapped at the scene for a short time.

Officials say he was airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Henry said he is in the intensive care unit.

Highway 469 was shut down in both directions between Monterey Road and New Hope Road, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

The accident is under investigation by MHP's reconstructionists.

A Facebook page has been started by fellow firefighters to garner support and prayers for Haskins.