Man killed in fiery crash on I-22 in Walker County

VIDEOS/PHOTOS: A Boaz man is dead after a crash on I-22 near mile marker 49, according to the Walker County Coroner. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) says 40-year-old Stephen A. Zmolek, Jr. was killed when the tractor-trailer he was driving ran off the road, overturned, and caught fire. Zmolek died at the scene. The wreck happened just after 10 a.m. on April 16, 2024, near mile marker 49, about five miles east of Carbon Hill on Interstate 22. The interstate was closed for several hours as crews worked to put out the fire and clean up the area. As of 7:00 p.m., authorities said all lanes were open.
WBMA-LD ABC 33/40 Birmingham

New esophageal cancer screening test offered to Birmingham firefighters

VIDEO: When we think of dangers to firefighters, it's the flames and burning buildings that come to mind. But there are dangers you don't see like the chemicals that can lead to esophageal and other cancers. New screening methods are helping catch the cancers earlier. Firefighters are exposed to hundreds of chemicals such as benzene, formaldehyde, and asbestos. "Everyone knows somebody going through it. We have someone on duty right now working with cancer," said Steve Cook, President Birmingham Firefighters Association. Gases, vapors and particulates get on their skin, eyes and gear. Birmingham firefighters have a high call volume, more than anywhere in the state, leading to greater exposure to hazards. Eighty firefighters were recently screened at an event in the metro area for esophageal cancer. The one minute EsoGuard test is used to find precancerous cells in the esophagus.
WBMA-LD ABC 33/40 Birmingham