For Immediate Release Officer-In-Charge: Chief Chas McGarvey
Date and Time of News Release: July 24, 2021, 10:00 AM Location: 75 E. Lancaster Avenue
Incident Number: F2119636

Date and Time of Incident: 7/24/2021, 3:04 AM
Location of Incident: Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) westbound, Mile Marker 335.0
Department Spokesperson: Chief Chas McGarvey
For Further Information Contact: Chief Chas McGarvey
Telephone: 610-645-6190

On Saturday, July 24, 2021, at 3:04 AM, the Belmont Hills Fire Company and Gladwyne Fire Company were dispatched to a vehicle accident with injuries on Interstate 76 (Schuylkill Expressway) westbound at Mile Marker 335.0 in Lower Merion Township.

At approximately 3:23 AM, as units were preparing to leave the scene of the initial incident, an uninvolved vehicle struck three (3) firefighters from the Belmont Hills Fire Company and one (1) Pennsylvania State Police Trooper. Multiple EMS units were immediately requested to assist the injured first responders.

One (1) of the firefighters went into cardiac arrest at the scene and was transported by ground ambulance to Paoli Hospital. Sadly, Firefighter Tom Royds passed away this morning.

The other two (2) injured firefighters were flown by PennSTAR and JeffSTAT medical helicopters to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in West Philadelphia. These firefighters are currently in surgery.

The Pennsylvania State Police Trooper was transported to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center by ground ambulance. Any questions regarding the trooper’s condition should be sent to the Pennsylvania State Police – Troop K (Philadelphia/Belmont).

The driver of the striking vehicle was taken into custody at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

A Press Conference will be held at 1:00 pm on July 24, 2021 in front of the Belmont Hills Fire Company, 4 South Washington Avenue, Belmont Hills PA.

Questions regarding the fire department’s involvement should be made to Chief Chas McGarvey at cmcgarvey@lowermerion.org or (610) 645-6190.

Questions regarding the incident investigation or any criminal charges should be made to CSO William Butler at willbutler@pa.gov or (215) 452-5216.