Near Tragedy On I-84 In Southington: FD

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Southington Fire Department said Thursday morning one of its fire apparatus was damaged by another vehicle on Interstate 84 while it helped tend to a crash.

But, according to the department, the situation Wednesday night could have been worse — much worse.

No injuries were reported by the SFD, but crews tended to the occupants of the vehicle that hit the fire truck, with an ambulance called to the scene, the SFD said.

According to the SFD, the department was dispatched to Interstate 84 West between exits 33 and 32 for a motor vehicle crash at about 10:04 p.m.

"Following our standard operating procedures, the apparatus was positioned to provide scene safety while crews checked for injuries and mitigated vehicle hazards," wrote the department in a statement Thursday morning.

As part of that procedure, Engine 12 was struck by a "passenger vehicle" while "blocking the accident scene," firefighters said.

This resulted in "minor damage" to the fire truck, the SFD said.

According to the fire department, SFD policies mandate a minimum of two fire apparatus for any highway incident to "provide scene protection for accident victims and first responders."

This incident showed just how much protection they provide, according to the fire department.

"In last night's case, blocking procedures worked effectively and protected the public and responders from what could have been a tragic incident," wrote the SFD.