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2 firefighters critical after ALS ice bucket challenge accident

Posted at 3:06 PM, Aug 21, 2014
and last updated 2014-08-21 17:24:06-04

At least two firefighters were injured today on a campus in Kentucky after helping the school’s band with an ALS ice bucket challenge, according to WAVE News.

Officials at Campbellsville University, located two hours south of Louisville, said two Campbellsville-Taylor County firefighters were seriously injured on the college’s main campus.

 

 

While in the air, a fire truck’s ladder came near a main power line at the University.

The local TV station is reporting firefighters were spraying water at band directors and members as part of the ALS ice bucket challenge, a social media campaign to raise awareness for ALS, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's Disease. 

 

 

Watch video from the scene of the incident from WAVE News below or click here.

wave3.com-Louisville News, Weather

Radio station WCKQ-WGRK is reporting four firefighters were injured and at least one firefighter was flown to University of Louisville Hospital for treatment. One of the firefighters is in critical condition, Campbellsville Police Chief Tim Hazlette said during a press conference Thursday evening. 

The incident knocked power out for a portion of the area but is being restored.

Officials have scheduled a news conference for later today at the Campbellsville-Taylor County Fire Department.

From the university press release:

“Campbellsville University is asking for prayers for two Campbellsville/Taylor County Fire Department firefighters who have been seriously injured on the campus of Campbellsville University.

‘We express heartfelt sympathy and prayers for the families of the two firefighters who were injured,’” President Dr. Michael V. Carter said.

Campbellsville University is a Christian university with more than 3,600 students and offers pre-professional, undergraduate and graduate programs.

A campus ministry group is holding a time of prayer at 7 p.m. ET today for the firefighters.

Lynn Walsh is a data content producer and investigative reporter on the Scripps National Desk. She may be followed on Twitter through the handle @LWalsh.