Firefighter Hospitalized After Debris Fell On Him While Battling Fire In Dallas
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - A firefighter was hospitalized after debris fell on top of him while crews were battling a fire in northwest Dallas early Friday morning, officials said.
According to Dallas Fire-Rescue, crews responded to a fire at a vacant one-story building in the 2600 block of Walnut Hill Lane at around 1:50 a.m. There was no one inside the building at the time but flames were roaring when firefighters arrived.
While the fire was being put out, officials said a firefighter was hit by falling debris.
A witness captured the moment when part of the building's roof collapsed and fell onto the firefighter. He was able to crawl out from the debris on his own.
Dallas Fire-Rescue identified the injured firefighter as Captain Ronald J. Janek.
He is expected to be okay, after suffering significant injuries to his back, foot as well as some minor burns to his neck; all of which are non-life-threatening.
"Though the Captain is in stable condition, he has a long road to recovery. He has received a number of visits from his friends and co-workers, and has several family members, to include his Wife, children, brothers and parents, close by his side as he begins his recovery," DFR said in a news release.
Captain Janek has been with the department for 28 years and works out of Fire Station 19, as part of the department's Urban Search and Rescue team.
"On behalf of his entire family, he wishes to thank everyone who has expressed their concerns, and sent well-wishes, after seeing the video of the collapse from the morning's news coverage," DFR said.
