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Volunteer firefighter called to crash, finds son trapped in car

MIDDLE MUSQUODOBOIT, N.S. – A volunteer firefighter was called to two-car collision on Boxing Day and spent about 30 minutes helping before he discovered his son was one of the trapped drivers crews were trying to get out of a car.

“My involvement as a firefighter, that was it. I was done then. I’m a parent now,” said Kenny Bell, who has volunteered for Middle Musquodoboit Fire Department for more than a decade, on Monday.

The collision happened close to Old Guysborough and Antrim Roads at about 4 p.m. on Saturday; five people were reported injured, according to Halifax District RCMP.

Bell was enjoying a meal with his family when he got the call.

“We don’t have enough [volunteers] for anybody to say, ‘No, I can’t go,'” he said.
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He added, when he got to the scene, he didn’t think anyone inside what turned out to be his son’s car would have been able to walk away unassisted.

Bell eventually remembered that, when he had left the dinner, his son still hadn’t arrived; that, and the fact the car looked similar to his son’s made him peer inside.

Bobby Bell was trapped in this car following a car crash on Saturday. Courtesy / Kenny Bell

Crew members had already been trying to help the driver get out when Bell realized the man was his son Bobby.

“I knew it would be alright, I guess,” said Bobby, 21, over the phone in a Halifax hospital he’s recovering at. “First responders […] They’re always there to save lives for you.”
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His car had to be cut open for him to be let out. His main injuries are a broken wrist and femur, along with a few issues with one of his knees.

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“It hurts a lot,” Bobby said with a laugh. “Other than that, I should be alright.”

Bobby Bell’s injuries include a broken wrist and femur. Courtesy / Kenny Bell

Kenny attended the crash with his sister-in-law, another volunteer.

“A lot of the times, you know where you’re going, you know the people. It’s not easy being in an small community doing this job,” he said.

“Hug your kids, they could be gone in an instant.”

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