The vehicle flipped on it’s side, hit a large tree, trapping Hagerman in the vehicle.
Don Fain was driving by when he observed the Saturn on its side. He got out, went to see if he could help and noticed that another driver, David Flynn, had already stopped to assist. While the other person climbed onto the side of the vehicle trying to open the door as Fain pulled Hagerman out of the car.
As Hagerman, Fain and the other individual were leaving the vehicle, it burst into a huge ball of fire, stated one of the witnesses.
The unnamed driver of the Saturn, left the scene without being noticed, according to reports.
Hagerman refused medical attention from the Sevier County EMS. The Seymour Volunteer Fire Department put out the fire within minutes.
The Sevier County Sheriff’s Deputies had the road blocked, a black Honda Accord drove past the road block attended by a deputy and proceed to drive past the fire truck. In the process, the Accord ran across three sections of fire hose.
The vehicle was stopped by another deputy at the scene and issued a citation. According to the fire department, running over a section of the hose, which costs $1000 to repair, is a felony. Once the hose has been run over, it can no longer be used due to the collapse of the inter-tube.
The SVFD firefighters were visibly upset when the Accord ran over the hose, as the department has a hard enough time raising money to maintain its equipment and the high level of service they provide.