EL DORADO — An El Dorado firefighter remained in critical care in a Louisiana hospital Friday, a week after he was involved in a single-vehicle automobile accident that resulted in serious injuries, including the loss of one of his legs.
Lt. Trey Sewell, an engineer with the El Dorado Fire Department, struck a bridge on June 30 while heading east on U.S. 82/Magnolia Highway, just west of South Arkansas Regional Airport at Goodwin Field, Fire Chief Chad Mosby said.
Mosby said Sewell is being treated at LSU Health Shreveport (Louisiana) and has undergone several surgeries for a fractured pelvis, a shattered kneecap on the left leg and severe damage that led to the amputation of the right leg below the knee.
Sewell also sustained other soft tissue injuries, the fire chief said.
“I went to see him Tuesday, and he was still sedated, so he couldn’t talk, and I couldn’t talk to him,” Mosby said.
Sewell, who is in his mid-twenties, has worked for the EFD for nearly five years. He is an engineer who drives fire trucks during emergencies.
Mosby said Sewell’s vehicle struck the guardrail of a small bridge on U.S. 82, west of town. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined.
“He has a long road to recovery,” Mosby said, adding, “Lt. Sewell is an excellent employee. He comes to work and does his job. He’s the type of employee we want to keep, if we can.”
An account has been established at First Financial Bank to assist with Sewell’s medical expenses.
To contribute to the fund, visit any branch of First Financial Bank in El Dorado, Mississippi or Little Rock. For more information, call EFD Capt. Nena McGaugh, 870-881-4152.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or by email at tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.