Legal news for New York Work-related Firefighter death lawyers—12 FDNY firefighters were injured when fire trucks crashed.
Police reported 12 FDNY firefighters were injured when two fire trucks crashed while en route to investigate gas leak in Brooklyn, NY.
Brooklyn, NY (NewYorkInjuryNews.com) – Twelve of New York City’s finest firefighters were injured when FDNY Engine 236 and Ladder 107 collided on the way to investigate a gas leak in Brooklyn on Saturday morning, October 24, 2009, announced Newsday.
Both trucks were flying down the street with sirens wailing and lights flashing when the crash occurred. The Engine was traveling west on Hegeman Avenue when it crashed into the back of the Ladder truck, that was traveling north on Ashford.
Emergency medical services (EMS) rushed to the scene of the accident at the intersection of Ashford Street and Hegeman Avenue in the East New York neighborhood. One firefighter, who had been driving the Ladder No. 107, was trapped in the damaged fire truck for hours. Police reported that the fire truck lay on its side after it struck a tree due to the impact of the crash.
People who witnessed the crash said that it was a deafening noise when the two trucks collided at 9:43 a.m. Monday morning. Dozens of emergency rescue officials worked tirelessly while the FDNY firefighter, Robert Puppa, remained pinned and injured for hours in the truck until they freed him around noon.
A Fire Department representative stated that all 12 of the injured FDNY firefighters were given medical attention. Four sustained severe injuries in the crash, and eight suffered minor injuries.
Lieutenant Kevin Washing, who has been a member of the New York Firefighters Department for 27 years, suffered from a possible fracture. EMS transported them to Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center where they were cared for by doctors and nurses. They were both reported to be in serious condition. Ambulances transported the other injured firefighters to be treated and cared for at Kings County Hospital Center and Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.
A Fire Department spokesperson reported that an investigation into the crash will continue. A passerby said that the engine attempted to slam on its brakes to avoid the crash, but could not slow down fast enough before it crashed into the other truck.
Both trucks were responding to a gas leak at the 700 block of Warwick Street, said FDNY spokesman Jim Long. The investigation continues.
Bridget Hom
NewYorkInjuryNews.com