Alexandria paramedic falls from I-395 overpass into Four Mile Creek
Updated: February 9, 2012 - 12:45 pm
Virginia State Police are continuing their investigation into the incident where a paramedic fell from Interstate 395 into Four Mile Run Creek while responding to a fire in Alexandria on Wednesday evening.
Officials say Joshua Weissman, 33, was responding to a car fire on the highway when he fell into the water. He remains hospitalized in critical condition Thursday morning.
At 6:26 p.m., Virginia State Police received a call for a vehicle fire in the HOV lanes of I-395 near Exit 6/Shirlington Circle. Alexandria Fire and EMS responded to the scene. Their ambulance stopped in the northbound lanes of I-395 alongside the HOV lane to reach the burning vehicle.
During the course of responding, Weissman fell through the open gap between the barriers on the roadway and into Four Mile Run Creek, which is approximately 20 feet below the interstate.
Rescue attempts were immediately underway and Weissman was rescued from the creek by firefighters from Alexandria City and Arlington County. He was transported by ambulance to Washington Hospital Center.
The three left northbound lanes of I-395 were closed for hours late Wednesday as State Police continued their investigation into the incident.
Weissman, a seven-year veteran of the department, worked out of the Seminary Road fire station. He is married with no kids.
Fire officials say the last time an employee was seriously injured while on-duty was 15 years ago.
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