Fire Engine Hit By Semi While Plainfield FD Responds To I-55 Crash

PLAINFIELD, IL — A Plainfield Fire Protection District reserve engine was severely damaged after a semitrailer crashed into it on I-55 Tuesday morning.

At 11:45 a.m., fire crews responded to a single-vehicle crash on northbound I-55, about a mile north of the Route 30 exit, after a car slammed into the wall. While crews were assessing the driver, who refused medical treatment, a semitrailer crashed into a PFPD engine that was blocking the area to provide safety for the team, Chief Jon Stratton told Patch.

"We're lucky the guys were OK," he said.

Stratton said the collision mainly impacted the driver's side of the engine: the side mirror was ripped off, which, in the process, shattered the windshield. The metal on the door was also scraped. The engine should be repaired by the end of the week, according to the chief.

"We are very thankful that nobody was injured and the damage to the fire engine could have been a lot worse," officials said in a post on Facebook.

Stratton didn't know what caused either of the drivers to crash but said Illinois State Police are conducting an investigation into the incident to determine if citations will be issued.

Fire crews used the opportunity to remind drivers to slow down in construction zones, move over for emergency vehicles and switch lanes when a lane is closed with cones or a stopped car.

"You've got get over for our vehicles," the chief said.