Crash almost proves fatal for Lawrence County deputy sheriff

A Lawrence County deputy sheriff had a near brush with death while helping at the scene of an accident on Sunday, Jan. 29 during winter weather. According to a Facebook posting reminding motorists to move over for emergency vehicles, Deputy Shane Blankenship was assisting at the 57-mile marker on I-44, where a multiple vehicle crash had taken place, when an out-of-control semi came towards him.
“Deputy Blankenship was out of his vehicle, which was positioned properly to protect the occupants of the already crashed vehicles, assisting those who had been in the wreck,” the posting stated. “While out of the vehicle, assisting others, Deputy Blankenship saw a tractor trailer unit in the same lane sliding out of control towards him and his vehicle.”
Blankenship managed to escape being seriously injured, but only barely, according to the posting.
“Deputy Blankenship had to jump over the center median cable to avoid being crushed by the semi and his vehicle,” the posting stated. “He suffered minor injuries but was able to complete his assignment before going to the hospital for treatment.”
The posting also included pictures showing the damage of Blankenship’s service vehicle and reminded drivers to be mindful of the presence of first responders at the scene of accidents.
“We show you these pictures and plea with you to please move and slow down when you see emergency vehicles roadside,” the posting stated. “They may very well be helping your family. This could have all been avoided if the other driver had done just that. The road conditions were already terrible and that should have been on everyone's mind already.”