Browse
Log in / Register
Share
A serious single-vehicle crash in Pulaski County sent a minor to the hospital by helicopter Tuesday morning, after the victim was thrown from the car upon impact with a utility pole.
The Nancy Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene along Ky. 80 near the Nancy community shortly before 9 a.m., according to a department spokesperson. Crews arrived to find a passenger car with extensive front-end damage resting against a pole, and a minor — age not yet released — lying on the ground nearby.
“The victim had been ejected from the vehicle,” Fire Chief James Miller said in a brief statement. “Our team immediately began patient care while controlling traffic until EMS could reach the spot.”
Firefighters provided initial trauma care and stabilized the victim’s neck and spine before Somerset-Pulaski County EMS arrived. Due to the severity of the injuries, Air Methods helicopter was called, and the patient was airlifted to Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. As of late Tuesday afternoon, hospital officials had not released an update on the minor’s condition.
The crash remains under investigation by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. Preliminary reports suggest speed may have been a factor, but officials stress that the probe is ongoing and no citations have been issued.
“We see far too many ejections in crashes, and the outcome is almost always devastating,” said Sgt. Brandon Hayes of the Kentucky State Police, who was not directly involved in the incident but commented generally on the dangers. “Wearing a seat belt is the single most effective way to prevent being thrown from a vehicle. This is a stark reminder for every driver and passenger — especially young ones — to buckle up every trip, every time.”
The crash site, a stretch of Ky. 80 known for occasional high-speed violations, was closed for about an hour for investigation and cleanup. Local residents expressed concern about the road’s safety, with one nearby business owner noting that “we’ve seen three accidents on this curve in the last year alone.”
Statistics from the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety show that in 2024, more than 1,600 people were injured in crashes involving ejections, and about 120 died. The majority of those killed were not wearing seat belts.
“This incident underscores the critical need for proper restraint use,” added Chief Miller. “We hope the young victim recovers, and we urge everyone to learn from this tragedy.”
Meanwhile, the Nancy Volunteer Fire Department is reminding the public that emergency responders rely on clear routes and safe driving near crash scenes. Two firefighters narrowly avoided being hit by a passing vehicle while directing traffic Tuesday, Miller said.
“We’re grateful no responder was hurt, but it’s a constant risk,” he said. “Slow down and move over — those laws exist for a reason.”
The identity of the minor has not been released, pending family notification. Updates may be provided by the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office later this week.
As the community waits for news of the victim’s recovery, the crash serves as a grim lesson: vehicle ejections are preventable. With a simple click of a seat belt, lives can be saved.
This article was updated on April 8, 2025, with additional details from public safety officials.
