NAUGATUCK – A lieutenant with the Williamson Fire Department was critically injured in a fatal crash at Naugatuck Thursday afternoon.

Mingo County Chief Field Deputy James Smith said Bill Hinkle of Delbarton was driving a Chevy Impala north on U.S. 52 at Naugatuck when he crossed the centerline and struck the Dodge Avenger being driven by Williamson Fire Depart-ment Lt. Bobby Ryan of Williamson.

Hinkle was pronounced dead on scene.

Kermit Volunteer firefighters used the jaws-of-life to extricate Ryan from his vehicle. He was then airlifted to Cabell Huntington Hospital.

"It looks as if Ryan tried to pull off the roadway to keep from striking Hinkle's vehicle," Smith said. "It appears as if both drivers were traveling at a high rate of speed."

Mingo Deputy Sheriff's Department Cpl. Norman Mines is investigating the accident, assisted by Det. Joe Smith and Deputy Smith.