According to initial reports, Firefighter Plank was donning protective gear when the accident occurred. As other firefighters were setting up a hose line, the fire hose snagged on a truck, causing a coupling to strike Plank in the head knocking him to the ground.
Firefighter Plank was treated at the scene and rushed to the hospital where a CT scan showed he had suffered a stroke on the left side of his brain. Firefighter Plank later underwent surgery, but succumbed to his injury on the evening of May 23, 2017.
Our condolences to the Plank Family & Friends, Macon County Fire Rescue, and to all affected by Firefighter Darrell Lavon Plank’s passing.
To date, 41 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2017. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
