Engine 305 of Lakeside Firehouse in Henrico County, VA firetruck overturns while responding to a call in the slippery icy conditions. 4 firefighters were sent to the hospital as a result of the Nor’ easter.
The following written content from John Reid Blackwell
Four Henrico County firefighters were transported to local hospitals early Sunday after a firetruck overturned on snow-covered roads while responding to an emergency call — adding to more than 360 crashes reported across Virginia during the weekend snowstorm.
The firefighters were able to exit the overturned truck and suffered non-life-threatening injuries, said Henry Rosenbaum, the county’s assistant fire chief and fire marshal.
“They either have been released or are in the process of being released from the local hospitals,” Rosenbaum said. He said one firefighter was taken to VCU Medical Center and the other three were taken to Henrico Doctors’ Parham Road Hospital.
From 12 a.m. Sunday through 9 that evening, the Virginia State Police responded to 362 traffic crashes statewide and 321 disabled or stuck vehicles after the winter storm hit overnight on Saturday and early Sunday.
“The majority of traffic crashes have involved only damage to vehicles and few serious injuries,” the state police reported.
The Henrico firetruck accident happened at 7:23 a.m. Sunday as Engine 305, from the Lakeside firehouse, was traveling north on Woodman Road responding to a call of an unconscious person.
Near the intersection of Woodman Road and Spider Drive, the firetruck spun on the road, left the pavement and overturned.
No other vehicles were involved in the accident.
An ambulance and another firetruck also were responding to the emergency call of an unconscious person and arrived without being delayed, Rosenbaum said.An ambulance and another firetruck also were responding to the emergency call of an unconscious person and arrived without being delayed, Rosenbaum said.
The Henrico County Police Department is investigating the accident. Woodman Road at Spider Drive was closed as of late Sunday morning for the investigation and removal of the firetruck.
“Obviously, the roads were covered with snow and slippery, so we would anticipate that being a factor,” Rosenbaum said.
State police were urging Virginians to avoid driving on Sunday unless travel was absolutely necessary.
“As we look towards the overnight hours, Virginians are reminded that roadways will be especially slick as temperatures drop,” the state police said in a statement late Sunday evening.
“Those roads that may have been only wet and/or slushy earlier today will freeze overnight and remain slick into the early morning hours of Monday.
“State police are still advising folks to hold off on their travels until later Monday or even possibly Tuesday, depending on what their region has experienced in the way of snow, freezing rain, and ice.” Read more from Richmond
