Fire Truck Hit By Vehicle At Crash Scene In Tuscaloosa County

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Sipsey Valley Volunteer Fire Department says one of its fire engines was struck by a vehicle while firefighters were working a crash scene Friday on U.S. Highway 82.

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The department on Tuesday said the incident occurred just east of Echola Road in the westbound lanes of Highway 82 after firefighters responded to a two-vehicle wreck with minor injuries.

The Sipsey Valley Volunteer Fire Department says it deployed its brush truck, service truck and a pumper truck, along with five firefighters, to the scene.

The department went on to say that its firefighters positioned Pumper 401 as a blocker vehicle to protect emergency personnel and motorists while crews worked the crash.

Approximately 27 minutes after arriving on scene, a 2006 Ford Focus struck the rear of the fire engine.

Officials said the vehicle also barely missed a firefighter who was directing traffic and the driver of the Ford Focus was partially ejected during the collision.

Firefighters immediately began administering first aid and requested additional emergency resources, including a medical helicopter.

Personnel from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office, NorthStar EMS and Sipsey Valley Volunteer Fire Department worked together to extricate the driver from the vehicle.

Officials said emergency responders established a landing zone at Corinth Church, where the patient was transferred to an Air Evac helicopter and flown to UAB Hospital for treatment.

The department said Pumper 401 sustained moderate damage to its right rear side and was taken out of service following the crash.

No additional details have been released about the condition of the driver who was transported to UAB.

The crash remains under investigation.

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