Two Walnuttown Firefighters Die Searching for Missing Woman in Berks County
In a heartbreaking incident on Saturday evening, two firefighters from Berks County lost their lives while searching for a missing woman. The accident occurred at approximately 5:57 p.m. on Kutztown Road in Richmond Township, near Route 662.
Tragic Accident Details
Fire Chief Jeffory L. Buck and Assistant Chief Robert R. Shick, Jr., both from the Walnuttown Fire Department, were operating a UTV when their vehicle was struck by a swerving Toyota Camry. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the Camry left the roadway and collided with the UTV head-on.
Firefighters’ Response
The firefighters were engaged in the search for a 60-year-old woman when the incident occurred. Following the collision, both Chief Buck and Assistant Chief Shick were transported to separate hospitals for medical treatment.
- Chief Buck: Transported to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest; later succumbed to injuries.
- Assistant Chief Shick: Taken to Reading Hospital; also died from injuries sustained in the accident.
Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities reported that the male driver of the Toyota Camry fled the scene but was apprehended shortly thereafter on Krause Road. An investigation by local police is ongoing.
Autopsies for both firefighters are scheduled at the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office and Forensic Center. Their tragic loss has deeply affected the Walnuttown community.
For further updates, the Walnuttown Fire Department has published information on their Facebook page.
