On a chilly spring day, I&M lineworkers and AMPP employees, an I&M business partner, were at the Muncie Service Center. It was a routine work day, loading up materials to head out for the day's tasks, until the men witnessed a plane crash.
From left to right: Rob Williams, Noah Lewman, Ryan Younts and Jacob Feistritzer helped plane crash victims near the Muncie Service Center.
On Monday, April 1, four Muncie lineworkers and four AMPP employees were in the material yard at the service center on Wheeling Avenue when a single-engine plane fell out of the sky, hit several trees and crashed on the Cardinal Greenway, a walking trail near the Muncie airport.
"Our crews witnessed the crash and responded on foot, assisting patients until first responders arrived." said Herb West, manager of Distribution System for Muncie and Marion. "There were also four AMPP employees who drove to the back of our property and used their fire extinguishers to put out the fire."
The group of men stayed and helped the victims until police, fire and paramedics arrived. According to the Delaware County Sheriff's Department, along with the pilot, a couple out for a morning stroll were injured.
"Our employees' response was to rush to the scene of the accident and not just stand by," West said. "Not a one of these men had any idea what they were getting themselves into, but dropped what they were doing to help."
The Federal Aviation Association (FAA) is investigating the crash. But, the lasting impression of these brave, quick-thinking men will last forever.
"As the man who was on the walking trail was being loaded into the ambulance, he made it a point to wave and smile at the men who had helped him and his wife," West said. "I'm proud of the actions they took and proud of how they serve our community, especially by jumping in to help that day."
The men who rushed to help that day were:
I&M employees:
- Jacob Feistritzer – Line Mechanic A
- Ryan Younts – Line Mechanic A
- Rob Williams – Line Mechanic C
- Noah Lewman – Line Mechanic D (first day on the job as a lineman after transferring from Meter Revenue Operations)
AMPP employees:
- James Fendley
- John Kirchhoff
- Kurtis Schnepp
- Jacob Plessinger
"A sincere thank you to those of you who ran to help those victims. This was a unique situation where immediate physical harm was unfolding and they intervened," said Steve Baker, I&M president and chief operating officer. "Their actions that day potentially saved lives and demonstrates their great willingness to help anyone in need."