OKEECHOBEE — A local firefighter remains hospitalized after the bicycle he was riding reportedly collided with an automobile in a city intersection.
Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Sergeant Mark Wysocky indicated in a press release that Firefighter/paramedic Lieutenant David Kinchen was listed in critical condition in a Fort Pierce hospital.
According to Sgt. Wysocky, a public information officer for FHP, Lt. Kinchen, 48, was rushed to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center immediately after the Monday, Aug. 17, accident.
The FHP press release stated a vehicle driven by Edward Blackwell, 79, was westbound on S.W. Sixth Street in his vehicle while Lt. Kinchen was riding his bicycle southbound on S.W. 11th Avenue around 7 a.m. Monday.
Mr. Blackwell was attempting a left turn into the southbound lane of S.W. 11th Ave., while the Okeechobee County Fire/Rescue firefighter was trying to turn left onto N.W. Sixth Street.
“Both entered the intersection and collided,” stated the release.
The FHP release also stated Lt. Kinchen was not wearing a helmet.
No one has been charged in the incident, added the release.
FHP Trooper Corporal Thomas B. White is the crash investigator.