UPDATED: Firefighter Hit By Tree Limb, Flown to Shock Trauma

UPDATE (3:45 p.m.) — A volunteer firefighter was flown to shock trauma this morning after being struck by a tree limb, according to police and fire officials.

The firefighter was hurt while trying to free an individual trapped in a sports utility vehicle after an accident near Cromwell Bridge and Satyr Hill Roads, according to Elise Armacost, a spokeswoman for the fire department.

The driver of the Ford Explorer was headed eastbound on Cromwell Bridge road when he lost control of his truck and ended up in a ditch, officials said. Emergency crews were called to the scene at 9:39 a.m.

As fire crews were lowering a ladder down to the vehicle, some tiny branches came loose from a tree, according to fire officials. Crews then stopped moving the ladder to avoid an accident.

At 10:25 a.m., a branch between 3 and 4 inches in diameter fell from the top of the tree and struck 22-year-old Michael Murphy from Squad 303 of Lutherville Volunteer Fire Company as he attempted to free the man trapped in the Explorer, officials said.

The firefighter was struck in the head, but was wearing all his protective gear, including a helmet, at the time he was hit. Officials said he was conscious at the time he was taken to R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center by helicopter.

"We don't believe the injuries are life-threatening at this point," Armacost said of the firefighter.

The driver of the Explorer was also taken by ambulance to Shock Trauma.

Stay with Patch for updates.