Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - An Etna Green fireman is in critical condition at a Fort Wayne hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack while driving Wednesday afternoon.
Robert "Bob" A. Haines of 13th Trail, Bourbon, has a history of heart problems, officials said. Haines' age was not available, but he is in his mid-30s.
According to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, Haines wrecked his car as a result of his medical problem.
Haines' fellow firefighters were the first emergency crews on the scene and when they removed him from his car, Haines was not breathing and had no pulse. With CPR and the use of a portable defibrillator, Haines' pulse was restored at the scene.
He was transported by Multi-Township Emergency Medical Service to Kosciusko Community Hospital before being airlifted to Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne.
Police said Albert Himes, who lives adjacent to the intersection of Old Road 30 and CR 800W where the accident occurred, placed the 911 call after the crash.
Himes said he saw Haines' vehicle stop at the intersection before beginning a left-hand turn. Himes looked away, then heard the accident. Tire tracks at the scene indicate that Haines did not brake or skid prior to leaving the road. His car went off the northside of Old Road 30 and into a ditch, where the vehicle hit an embankment.
The accident remains under investigation by the KCSD. Haines was reportedly wearing his seat belt at the time of the accident and alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the incident.
Also assisting at the scene were personnel from Atwood Fire Department and Indiana State Police.
