A Siloam Springs firefighter died in an accident Sunday afternoon, according to a news release from the city of Siloam Springs.
Firefighter Matthew Tanner Rundle was in an accident at Fairmount Road and U.S. 412 just before 2 p.m. Sunday, according to an Arkansas State Police media release Sunday night.
Rundle's 2012 Mazda 6 was westbound, coming from Camden and going to Siloam Springs, when it collided with Ray C. Townley's eastbound 18-wheeler as it turned left from U.S. 412 onto Fairmount Road, according to a city news release. State police said Rundle's car went underneath the semi-trailer and then struck trees along the side of the highway.
When firefighters responded and started extrication efforts, they realized the accident involved their rookie firefighter who was hired Feb. 18. Rundle was the only person in his vehicle, according to police and city releases.
Rundle was pronounced dead by county Coroner Daniel Oxford.
Rundle had moved from Austin, Texas, to take the position with the Siloam Springs Fire Department. He has a brother in the Northwest Arkansas area. Rundle was still going through training when the accident occurred, according to a department firefighter.
"Tanner had already established a reputation of being a very conscientious and hardworking employee who was well respected by his colleagues," said Fire Chief Greg Neely in the news release.
NW News on 04/07/2014