Washington Township Fire Department were called to the scene to help free a man who was trapped beneath a piece of heavy equipment, Thursday.

According to the Scioto County Sheriff's Office Patrick Simon, 47, of West Portsmouth - an employee of Boone Coleman Construction in West Portsmouth - was driving a forklift on Westgate Road when the engine stopped, causing Simon to lose control and strike an embankment.

The forklift rolled back on top of Simon, pinning his legs underneath.

Washington Township Fire Department responded with two units at about 11:40 a.m. on Thursday, said Fire Chief Paul Stevens, and used a crane to free Simon from beneath the heavy equipment. He was then air lifted to Cabell-Huntington Hospital in Huntington, W.Va.

A spokesperson for Cabell-Huntington Hospital said Simon was in fair condition following his accident Thursday morning. Boone Coleman Construction refused to comment on Thursday.

RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235, and by e-mail at pdt@ryanscottottney.com.