At approximately 5:30pm on June 23, 2022 The Geneva Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle accident with a person run over and trapped underneath at 314 Castle Street in the City of Geneva (site of last month’s Mini Mart fire)
Upon arrival, first units on scene found a single vehicle in the parking lot with a man laying on the ground. Several citizens were trying to assist the male on the ground. Geneva firefighters and EMTs began to treat the patient and stabilize the vehicle. After assessing the patients’ injuries, it was determined they were substantial and unstable enough to require an air medical helicopter to transport the patient a trauma center rapidly.
North Seneca Ambulance arrived on scene, provided advanced life support care and transported the patient to Geneva General Hospital Landing zone. A Lifenet helicopter from Seneca Falls was dispatched and landed at GGH then shortly transported patient to Strong Memorial Hospital. The extent of the patients’ injuries is unknown at this time.
After speaking with witnesses, the male was working underneath the vehicle in front of the mini mart when the vehicle started to run him over. The victim was dragged underneath the vehicle for about 50 feet. Driving by the incident was local resident and Geneva Central School District physical education teacher, John Forbes and his wife Anne Forbes. Forbes stated he saw the vehicle moving with a person underneath and a young man trying to stop the vehicle so he stopped to assist. At this time his wife Anne phoned 911. Also driving by were GHS students Benjamin Meeks and Nathan Rusinko. They stated they saw their gym teacher trying to stop the vehicle and they jumped out to help. Mr. Forbes states he tried helping the young man (later identified as the victims’ relative) stop the vehicle then jumped inside and shut off the engine. Looking underneath and seeing what was described as a lifeless male, Mr & Mrs Forbes, Nathan, Benjamin and two unidentified citizens the lifted up the vehicle and pulled the victim from underneath the pick-up truck. They then attempted to ascertain where the victim was injured and kept him calm. At this time the Geneva Fire & Police Department had arrived on scene. If anyone knows the identity of the two unidentified males, please contact the Fire Chiefs office so we can thank them personally.
“I would like to thank the Ontario County 911 Dispatchers, Lifenet, North Seneca Ambulance, Geneva Fire & Police Departments for their professionalism and excellence on this scene. Their hard work ensured the best possible outcome for the patient.
A special debt of gratitude and appreciation goes out to the citizen heroes who stepped up and showed the true definition of courage and bravery. Their actions increased the survivability of this citizen in need and most likely saved his life. Thank you, John & Anne Forbes, Benjamin Meeks, Nathan Rusinko, and the two unknown men, your efforts are the core of a great community and we are all grateful for your actions”. – Fire Chief Del Parrotta
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