North Haven Fire Engine Struck By Vehicle At Scene Of I-91 Crash

NORTH HAVEN, CT — A North Haven fire engine was struck by a vehicle while on the scene of a crash on Interstate 91 on Sunday morning, according to fire officials.

The driver of the vehicle was taken to the hospital after the collision, officials said. No firefighters were injured.

Crews responded to multiple simultaneous accidents on I-91 on Sunday morning, with several resulting in injuries, according to fire officials.

At one point, I-91 was shut down in both directions between Exits 8-9 North and Exit 12 South, officials said.

“Engine 9 was struck by a vehicle while on the scene of a collision on Interstate 91 South near Exit 12,” officials wrote in a post on the North Haven Fire Department’s Facebook page. “Engine 9 was providing blocking protection for personnel treating occupants of a vehicle with injuries when it was struck at a high rate of speed. Personnel reported seeing the front of Engine 9 ‘lift in the air.’ We are thankful that no fire fighters were injured, however the driver of the striking vehicle was transported to an area hospital. The car pictured to the front passenger side against the guardrail depicts where all personnel were at the time of the accident. Had Engine 9 not positioned where it was, the outcome could’ve been much worse.

“Blocking apparatus is dispatched to incidents on the highway and other high speed roads to provide some protection to fire fighters on the scene. This is a perfect example of the protection these blocking units can provide to our members. Incidents on roadways continue to be some of the most dangerous calls for fire fighters to respond to.

“When you see emergency lights, slow down, move over and please put away any distractions.

“Engine 9 will remain out of service until inspected to determine if there is any damage to the frame or axle.”