Injured Ellenboro Firefighter Continues Recovery After Deer-Related Crash

ELLENBORO – The Ellenboro Fire Department firefighter seriously injured when his fire truck overturned early Friday morning is showing steady improvement, officials said Monday.

Assistant Fire Chief Robert Downey, Jr. told local media that the firefighter, who has not been publicly identified at the family’s request, will remain hospitalized at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for another 7–10 days before being transferred to a rehabilitation facility.

The crash happened around 3:30 a.m. Friday on Piney Mountain Church Road as the Ellenboro engine was en route to assist another department. According to investigators, a deer suddenly ran into the roadway. The driver swerved to avoid the animal, causing the fire truck to leave the road and flip onto its side.

The injured firefighter was pinned inside the cab and required extrication by fellow responders. He was airlifted from the scene with multiple injuries.

“He’s doing much better than anyone expected after an accident like that,” Asst. Chief Downey said. “The doctors are pleased with his progress, and we’re all pulling for a full recovery.”

The North Carolina Highway Patrol continues to investigate the single-vehicle wreck. No other injuries were reported. The fire truck sustained heavy damage.