PHILADELPHIA (AP) -- Two fire trucks responding to a call collided at a downtown intersection Thursday, injuring nine firefighters, one seriously.
Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers said none of the injuries appeared life-threatening after the crash, which involved a ladder truck and a fire engine in a residential neighborhood.
The most seriously injured firefighter, a lieutenant on the ladder truck, was knocked unconscious and had to be cut from the wreckage.
Ayers said he spoke at a hospital with the injured lieutenant, whose first question was, "How's my guys?"
The ladder truck and the fire engine had been speeding along perpendicular streets before they slammed into each other. The ladder truck then spun off and smashed into a utility pole, caving in one of its sides, while the fire engine clattered into the back of a parked car.
No other injuries were reported, but a woman inside a flower shop nearly struck by the ladder truck was taken to a hospital for observation because she was shaken up, Ayers said.
The cause of the crash was under investigation.
Four other fire trucks made it to the two-story home where the fire was reported and extinguished the flames.
FFN Update:
The
Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the most seriously injured was the lieutenant on board Ladder 9, who was knocked unconscious and had to be extricated. He was conscious at a local hospital and did not appear to have life threatening injuries.
PhillyFireNews.com reports that Ladder-9 (a tiller) and Squirt 43 struck each other at 9th and Lombard while enroute to a box assignment.
Several firefighter were reported to be trapped and all nine of the firefighters were transported to local hospitals. All injuries are reported to be non life threatening. Numerous medic units requested to the scene.
Photos & More Details:
KYW Radio: Nine Firefighters Hurt As Firetrucks Collide in Center City
WPVI:
Slideshow - Nine firefighters hurt in crash
Video:
Firefighters Injured In Center City Collision
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