A British ambulance worker has been killed answering a 999 call after an object smashed through his windscreen.
The tragedy occurred on Saturday morning on the busy A49 in Herefordshire, as the crew responded to the emergency.
The Mirror reports that no other vehicles were involved in the incident, which claimed the life or the as-yet unnamed male ambulance service technician's life.
The victim was a passenger in the vehicle, while the driver was taken to hospital for treatment and discharged.
West Midlands Ambulance Service chief executive, Anthony Marsh, said: “This is truly awful news, and my thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and colleagues of those involved at this very difficult time.
“I am enormously proud of all the staff and the university students as part of their clinical placement that worked so hard and professionally to try to save our colleague.
“I am sorry that despite their best efforts, he could not be saved.”
Emergency services, including the air ambulance, were sent to the scene - near the village of Lyde, at 8am.
Two emergency ambulance crews, paramedic officers, the Midlands air ambulance and two Mercia Accident Rescue Service doctors were called to the tragedy.
The road was closed off until mid-afternoon.
A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, nothing could be done to save our colleague, who was the front passenger, and he was confirmed dead at the scene.
“His crew-mate, the driver, was also injured in the incident. He has received treatment at hospital and has subsequently been discharged.”
Colleagues took to social media in the wake of tragedy.
One wrote: "We have lost one of our colleagues on duty today. Another is injured."
West Mercia Police are asking anyone who may have seen the incident or have dashcam footage to contact them on 101 quoting incident 00101i of 24 April.
