A man was seriously injured on a logging site on the left fork of Cains Crk. Rd. this morning when a dead limb, also known as a ‘widow maker’, fell. According to Lawrence County Emergency Management, the 911 call came in at 8:05 am.
Webbville Volunteer Fire Department, Blaine Volunteer Fire Department and Lawrence County Emergency Management responded to the scene. The road conditions on the site made the situation very difficult to maneuver, taking almost two hours to get him off of the hill to the Blaine Community Center at 9:45 where he was flown out at around 10:15 by the Air Evac Lifeteam.
The crew at the scene stated that the man suffered serious head injuries from the limb, and he is critical at this time. He was flown to St. Mary’s Medical Center in Huntington, WV.
As soon as other details are known, we will have an update on the name and status of the injured.
Official report from Mike Woods, Lawrence co. EMS director:
“…Shortly after 8 A.M. this morning Lawrence County E-911 received a report of a logging accident on the Left Fork of Cains Creek Road just west of the community of Blaine.
It was reported that the patient was cutting a tree and when it fell it struck another tree resulting in limbs coming down and striking the patient. Emergency
crews from Netcare Ambulance, Blaine Fire Department and Lawrence County Emergency Management were initially dispatched.
When crews arrived at the scene it was discovered that the patient was located on a hillside approximately 1/4 to 1/2 mile from the nearest roadway. At this time crews requested assistance from Webbville FD and Louisa FD as well as an air ambulance due to the extent of the injuries to the patient.
The logging company assisted emergency crews by utilizing their heavy equipment at the site to allow rescuers to reach the patient. At approximately 10 A.M. crews were finally able to get the patient off the hill and to an awaiting helicopter. Air Evac 116 transported the patient to St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. No additional details are available at this time.”