Two DeKalb firefighters were hurt Tuesday afternoon during a training exercise.

Firefighter Tom Murphy was knocked off a roof and fell two stories from the ground when a ladder slipped and hit him as he supervised a drill.

Murphy suffered a pelvic injury and a bruised lung. He was taken to Kishwaukee Community Hospital and later transferred to St. Anthony’s Medical Center in Rockford.

Director of the DeKalb Fire Department Lanny Russell said it was the most serious injury to ever happen during a training session.

“We’re very concerned about Tom,” Russell said. “He’s in our thoughts and prayers.”

Firefighter Drew Wells was on the ground spotting a firefighter when the accident occurred. He tried to break Murphy’s fall and ended up with a hand injury. He was treated and released at KCH.

The accident occurred when the firefighters were practicing a method to get them off a roof and to safety.

“It’s a very rare occurrence,” Russell said. “We take great pride in being careful.”

The demonstration was held at a house that was scheduled for demolition.

A firefighter was descending from the rescue rope that was secured to a roof ladder. The ladder became dislodged and hit Murphy. That firefighter was not hurt.

Russell said there was no word yet on what exactly happened.

The DeKalb Fire Department and the DeKalb Police Department are investigating the accident with assistance from Chief Bill Riddle of the Sycamore Fire Department.