Quick action by deputies and firefighters saved an elderly man trapped beneath a flipped lawn mower in Jones County on Wednesday.
Around noon, the Jones County Sheriff’s Department (JCSD) and Sharon Fire & Rescue responded to Gus Townsend Road off Sharon Road after reports of a rollover accident involving a zero-turn mower.
Sergeant Brandon Gregory of JCSD and firefighter Andy Frederick arrived almost simultaneously to find the man pinned beneath the mower in a roadside ditch. Frederick, who also works as a tow truck operator for Advanced Towing, had his wrecker on hand, allowing rescuers to use its winch cable to help lift the heavy equipment.
With help from Sharon firefighter Skyler Reeves, Gregory and Frederick were able to free the injured man. He was then transported by EMServ Ambulance Service to South Central Regional Medical Center for treatment of multiple injuries.
Deputies say the victim told them he had been trapped under the mower for about 90 minutes before being discovered by a passerby. Authorities credited the passerby with spotting the accident on the lightly traveled road and calling for help.
Also helping at the scene were Sharon Fire & Rescue responders Jamie and Kristi Miller, along with JCSD Corporal Jarone’ Walker and Deputy Dalton Ainsworth.
