June 15 2004
Emergency Apparatus
Crash
St. Clair 91
On this date, an allegedly intoxicated driver lost control of her vehicle, and collided with St. Clair 91 enroute to an emergency call. The driver was alledgedly unlicensed, uninsured, and as a result of the crash, charged with her second DUI.
The operator of our vehicle pulled to this location to attempt to miss the out of control vehicle.
The driver, proceeding down the hill, lost control, and initially collided with the fence surrounding this utility box, causing the damage seen here.
The vehicle than began to spin, and shortly thereafter collided with our unit, seen in the background. Our vehicle came to a sudden stop at the point of impact.
Note the dirt thrown across the road by the careening vehicle.
Another view of the damage caused to the utility installation.
Note the damage to the right read wheel area.
A closer look. The impact caused the fuel tank to be rupured, spilling close to 50 gallons on diesel fuel onto the roadway.
As a result of the collision, diesel fuel sprayed across much of the road surface, causing it to be quite slippery.
Another view of the damage. Note the absorbent attempting to catch the leaking fuel.
Cleaning up the fuel
Hamilton Hazmat was called in to assist.
Squad 92 was dispatched to the scene shortly after the collision. Fortunately, there were only minor injuries, and all parties refused treatment.
Hamilton Hazmat on the scene
The other vehicle.
We drew quite a bit of attention. Note the local resident to the right with the video camera.
Initial attempts to tow the unit.
The original wrecker couldn't lift the unit, so a rollback was brought in.
Joe and Dennis conversing on the scene.
The original wrecker had to be used to keep the back end in line as the unit was pulled onto the rollback. Note the cable from it to the unit.
As a result of the slippery sprayed diesel, the local road crew brought in sand to temporarily improve traction, and prevent another crash.
Spreading the sand.
St. Clair 91 returns to quarters, out of service.
An unhappy Chief, after inspecting the damage.
Ouch!
91 is put in the bay to await the insurance adjusters.
The displacement of the axle can be seen from both sides of the unit.
