By EMS1 staff
SAN DIEGO — A San Diego EMT was struck and killed while setting out flares at the scene of a rain-soaked freeway crash Thursday.
Esteban Bahena, 24, was laying out the traffic control devices after his crew had assessed the patients following the single vehicle crash.
Preliminary reports suggest several cars were then involved in a crash near the scene of the original accident, with one of the vehicles striking Bahena.
San Diego Fire-Rescue 4, returning from a call, came upon the incident and immediately began to render aid. Bahena was transported to Mercy Hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead.
The driver who struck him was taken to UCSD Medical Center and may be facing drunken driving charges, according to San Diego 6 news.
Bahena had been a San Diego Medical Services employee since August 2008.
“Esteban was one of our very well-liked and exemplary employees,” said SDMS CEO Philip Forgione.
“All our personnel are stunned and devastated by this incident and our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the Bahena family.”