WESTERN GROVE, ARKANSAS — An 18-wheeler veered off the road and crashed into Grice’s Grocery in Western Grove Monday afternoon, heavily damaging the store and trapping the driver in the cab in a scene that included an unstable building, propane bottles, a load of timbers inside the store, and leaking fluids.
Harrison Fire Department was dispatched at 5:13 p.m. Extrication tools were needed to free the driver, who was wedged tightly in the cab. Crews worked carefully to ensure he was safely removed. Both the driver and a second person were transported by ambulances from NARMC. A medical helicopter was also called to the scene.
Harrison Fire Department described the complexity of the response. “This one had everything from a demolished semi, unstable building, load of timbers in store, propane bottles, to leaking fluids. Proud of everyone working together with a good outcome for our patient,” the department said. Entergy crews left another call to lend a hand at the scene.
Responding fire departments included Harrison, Valley Springs, Western Grove, and others. The Newton County Sheriff, Newton County Deputies, Arkansas State Police troopers, and law enforcement with the National Park Service all responded to the scene.
No fatalities or critical injuries were reported.
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