Watch CBS News

Salisbury Firefighter Dies After Freak Accident While Repairing SUV

SALISBURY (CBS) - A Salisbury fire lieutenant died Sunday afternoon, two days after an SUV he was working on fell on top of him. He was 53.

Firefighters said Lt. Tim Oliveria was doing a simple oil change on one of the stations SUV's on Friday afternoon when the jacks gave way, dropping the vehicle on top of Oliveria's chest. Fellow firefighters had to pull him out from underneath the vehicle and resuscitate him.

The accident caused Oliveria serious internal injuries, including broken ribs. He was med-fligthed to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where he later died.

"Lt. Oliveira was carrying out his duties when this tragic accident occurred and snuffed the life of a dedicated firefighter," said State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan.

Lt. Oliveria, a 27-year veteran of the Salisbury Fire Department, was very well-respected, loved by all and quite the comedian.

He is survived by a wife and two grown daughters.

The Salisbury Fire Department said that funeral arrangements will be announced when they are finalized.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.