Driver Rear-Ends Truck, Extricated From Vehicle: Westport FD

WESTPORT, CT – Firefighters extricated a driver from his van after the vehicle rear-ended a tractor-trailer early Thursday morning on Interstate 95 southbound, fire officials said. The incident occurred between exits 18 and 17 at approximately 1:01 a.m.

According to a news release, the tractor-trailer was stabilized in place and a controlled lift was performed, allowing the two vehicles to become disentangled using a grip hoist. Once the van was removed from underneath the tractor-trailer, firefighters used hydraulic rescue tools to extricate the driver.

"Throughout the incident the injured driver received continual patient care from firefighters, who entered the vehicle and remained with the driver until he was extricated and transported to the hospital by Westport EMS," Assistant Chief Brian Meadows said in a release.

It took a total of 21 firefighters just over an hour to complete the extrication, Meadows said.

All southbound lanes were shut down for a period of time during the incident. The last fire department unit cleared the scene at 2:59 a.m.

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Photo credits: Westport Fire Department