Duplication of text, photos, or any other content on this
website is prohibited without permission of BDVFD. If you have questions, please contact us
at info@bdvfd.org
Motor Vehicle Accident Involving One Of Our Own........
By Public Information Officer Douglas Medley
February 14, 2010
On February 14, 2010 at around 1:30 in the afternoon tones dropped for the report of a working house fire in the Drayden area of the county bringing out Company 6 (Second District) and both of our stations with the call being in Company 6's first due. Units from both of our stations (Engine 33, Truck 3, and Engine 91) marked up right away fully staffed.
Engine 91 (1989 Pumper/Tanker) was proceeding down Maryland Route 246 approaching the intersection with Maryland Route 5 when the driver lost control of the apparatus and it began to spin around in the roadway and then struck a large frozen snow bank on the side of the road causing the truck to turn completely around sliding up on the concrete island impacting the pole that holds the traffic signal for the intersection. After coming to rest against the pole the driver and Officer were trapped in the cab of the apparatus but were able to extricate themselves thru the window leading to the crew cab. The firefighters were badly shaken up but were able to take off their breathing apparatus and assist both the driver and officer in getting out of the piece. Truck 3 responding right behind Engine 91 saw it all happen and they stopped to assist and also call in the rescue assignment.
When you hear something like this come over the radio your heart just drops and the concern you have for your brother firefighters just goes through the roof. Safety 3B (Johnson) arrived on the scene soon after it happened as he lives just a short distance away. Upon his arrival he established the command until the arrival of the Fire Chief (Gould). The Lexington Park Rescue Squad was on the scene within minutes and began assessing the injuries to the firefighters. A total of 4 firefighters were transported to St. Mary's Hospital where they were treated for bumps and bruises and then released. Engine 91 had extensive damage and was towed back to station 3 by Cusic's towing to await further inspection by our mechanics and the insurance adjustor. All the firefighters are at home today sore but thankful to have suffered no more serious injuries than they did.
We would like to give out a big thanks to our community who either called me or stopped by to offer assistance to the crew on the engine. And to our brothers at company 7 (Hollywood) a big thanks for filling in at station 9 until we got our other engine (92) back from the shop after being modified by Doug Insley's company. We spent several hours putting all the equipment, hose, etc. back on and they covered for us in the event we had a call.
Further investigation of the accident and the cause is being conducted by our Safety Officers led by Marvin Jones. Anybody who witnessed the accident and would like to make a statement can contact me at 240-434-1305.
Units:
Squad 3, Command 3, Brush 3
Brush 9A, Utility 9
Mutual Aid:
Engine 74 (Hollywood) Filled in at Station 9
Officers side of Engine 91 after impacting traffic control pole.
Force of impact knocked all the hose out of bed and the ladders off the officers side of the engine.
Note twisted ground ladders that were thrown off the pumper and tailboard ripped off along with rear compartments.
Another shot of the rear of the piece showing tailboard ripped off. Good thing we don't ride firefighters on the back of the apparatus.
If you look at the drivers door you can see where the damage is after impacting with the frozen snow bank.
Southern Maryland Electric on the scene to kill the power on the overhead lines that were effected. Notice rear of the engine how the body seems to be bent from the cab.
