Journal video / Andrew Dickerman
Through a hole cut in the roof of a van, Providence firefighter Joseph Hall,
of Ladder 7, comforts a woman as other firefighters work to free her.
Journal photos/ Andrew Dickerman
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Firefighters had to cut into the vehicle to free a passenger after a Pepperidge Farm deliveryman crashed his van Monday morning when he choked on food, the Rhode Island State Police said.
Anthony Vacca of South Dartmouth, Mass., was driving south on Route 95 just after 10 a.m. when he apparently began choking, losing control of the van about 300 feet north of exit 24 to Branch Avenue in Providence, Sgt. Michael Rosa said.
The van crossed one lane of travel, hit a light pole, continued on the shoulder, down an embankment and hit a tree before rolling over, Rosa said. Firefighters had to cut through the wreckage to free Vacca's passenger, Shannon Simmons, who suffered leg injuries.
Vacca also had to be pulled from the wreckage.
Both were taken to Rhode Island Hospital, where their conditions were still being evaluated early Monday afternoon.
Firefighters work to free the victims.
A victim is carried to a rescue truck after being freed.
-- An earlier version of this report was published at 11:31 a.m.