2 Firefighters Killed in Head-On Crash While Searching for Missing Woman

YOU NEED TO KNOW

• On Saturday, April 4, two fire chiefs died in a traffic accident while searching for a missing woman in Pennsylvania.

• According to reports, first responders were in a UTV when they were struck by a vehicle driven by a driver who police say was allegedly under the influence.

• The driver of the vehicle faces multiple charges, local media reported

Two firefighters traveling in a UTV while searching for a missing woman in Pennsylvania were fatally shot. According to the information obtained, the 26-year-old driver of the other vehicle was later arrested and charged.

On Saturday afternoon, April 4, members of the Walnuttown Fire Company searched for a missing woman in Richmond Township, Berks County Prosecutor Matthew J. Stitzel said in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

As part of the search, Fire Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Deputy Fire Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr. were driving a UTV north on Route 222 in Richmond Township when the vehicle collided head-on with a southbound Toyota Camry, the coroner said.

Police confirm NBC affiliate WCAU Witnesses said firefighters were driving on the side of the road when they saw the other car swerve and hit the UTV. At around 6pm local time, authorities were dispatched to the scene on Route 222.

Buck and Shick were transported to separate area hospitals, where they died from their injuries, Stitzel said.

Autopsies are scheduled for both victims on Monday, April 6, and the investigation into their deaths is ongoing.

In a separate statement shared with PEOPLE, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio also confirmed the deaths and expressed his condolences to Schick and Buck’s families.

“We mourn alongside them during this profound loss and honor the sacrifice, courage and selfless service of these two fallen heroes in the line of duty,” Buglio continued. “Their dedication to protecting and serving others will never be forgotten and their sacrifices will be forever remembered.”

Following the fatal crash, two people in the Camry fled the scene and were arrested, authorities told WCAU and the independent station. WFMZ. The driver has since been identified as Alexander Sepulveda‑Rivera, 26, of the Bronx, New York, according to media outlets.

A Fleetwood Police spokesperson told WCAU that Sepulveda‑Rivera was allegedly driving under the influence and without a license. He has since been charged with vehicular homicide while driving under the influence, according to media outlets. The driver also faces other charges including reckless driving and involuntary manslaughter, according to WCAU.

The Fleetwood Police Department and Berks County District Attorney John Adams did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for additional information. It’s unclear whether Sepulveda-Rivera received legal representation and whether the other person in the Camry has been charged.

“You don’t really prepare yourself for an event like this,” Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Lt. Ryan Tyson told WCAU. “Let alone two at a time.”

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One expression Walnuttown Fire and Rescue sent our “thoughts and prayers to the Shick and Buck family” on social media.

The organization added: “Relax chiefs, we’ll get this done.”

Read the original article People