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Orgo-Life the new way to the future Advertising by AdpathwayMeaux-Nunez Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter Robert Hughes was ejected from his SUV and fatally injured after it left the roadway while he was responding to an emergency call
August 24, 2026 10:00 AM •
KAPLAN, La. — A Meaux-Nunez Volunteer Fire Department firefighter was killed when his SUV crashed while he was responding to an emergency call in Vermilion Parish.
Robert Hughes, 49, of Kaplan, was driving to the call when his SUV left the roadway and crashed on Aug. 21, KADN reported.
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According to a preliminary investigation, Hughes was responding to an emergency call when the SUV left the roadway while navigating a curve and crashed into a ditch.
Hughes, who was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected from the SUV and seriously injured, state police said. He was taken to a hospital, where he later died.
A passenger, who also was not wearing a seat belt, was ejected and seriously injured. The passenger was hospitalized for treatment.
The crash is under investigation.
Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.






















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