GASTON – A local man can thank the training and expertise of Gaston Fire and Rescue for freeing him from his burning vehicle that was involved in an accident here Sunday evening.

Joshua Blake Seuis of Gaston is reported in stable condition after being airlifted to Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, VA following the 6:15 p.m. accident.

Gaston Fire and Rescue Chief Ed Porter Jr. said emergency responders were dispatched for “heavy rescue” in reference to a one vehicle accident, with entrapment, on NC 46 near Myrick Street in Gaston.

“Dispatch advised that the vehicle was on fire after striking a power pole,” Porter said.

Upon arrival, units found the vehicle off the roadway with a downed power line crossing the entire highway. The driver was found to be pinned inside of a pick-up truck.

Porter said the firefighters used hydraulic cutters to remove the driver’s door and steering wheel in order to free the man.

The patient was treated by members of Gaston EMS and Northampton County paramedics on scene and was transported to the landing zone at Gaston Fire Department where he was airlifted by Life Evac.

Porter said NC 46 was closed for about an hour during the incident.

The Gaston Police Department is leading the accident investigation with assistance from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.