Hinesburg, VT (March 13, 2026) – A firefighter was hit by a vehicle on Thursday along Route 116 near Hollow Road in Hinesburg.
Emergency units were sent to the area after a report that a car had struck a guardrail and that the driver might be unresponsive. While crews were handling the situation, they learned the vehicle had started moving again.
Firefighters stopped the car on Route 116 and determined that the driver should not continue operating the vehicle. As a firefighter placed wheel chocks to keep the car from moving, the driver suddenly accelerated forward.
The firefighter was struck before the chocks brought the vehicle to a stop. Officials said the firefighter suffer from injuries. The driver was taken to a hospital, though their identity has not been released.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. Our thoughts remain with those affected as they continue to recover.
Why Emergency Scenes Along Roadways Can Become Dangerous
Roads like Route 116 near Hollow Road often carry steady traffic through smaller communities while also serving local travel needs. When a crash or disabled vehicle occurs in these areas, responders must work close to moving traffic while helping those involved.
Emergency scenes can change quickly. Vehicles that appear stopped may move again if a driver regains control or accidentally presses the accelerator. For this reason, responders often use tools such as wheel chocks, cones, and lighting to keep vehicles from shifting and to improve visibility for passing drivers.
People working around damaged or disabled vehicles face added risk because they may be focused on assisting others. Maintaining clear space around emergency scenes and slowing down when approaching responders can help reduce the chance of additional injuries during roadside incidents.
