A firetruck at a collision scene on Highway 401 in Clarington yesterday was rammed by a tractor-trailer leading to two firefighters being taken to hospital with injuries.
The driver of the transport truck, a 42-year-old from Woodstock, has been charged with Careless Driving, according to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Highway Safety Division.
The incident is under investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police and the Ministry of Labour.
“Two firefighters have been sent to hospital after a tractor-trailer collided into a firetruck,” said an OPP Highway Safety Division statement.
The firetruck was on the scene of an earlier collision blocking a live lane – westbound on Highway 401 and Newtonville Road at around 2:30am, it said.
OPP said the fire fighters were inside their vehicle at the time of the collision. The injuries are considered non-life threatening.
That part of the highway was closed for several hours hours.
Firetruck was Positioned to Protect Accident Scene
A Clarington statement said at about 2 am on October 10, Clarington Emergency and Fire Services (CEFS) were on scene attending a collision on Highway 401 westbound near Newtonville Road when a tractor-trailer struck a firetruck that had been positioned to protect the accident scene.
Four firefighters were inside the firetruck at the time of the collision. Two firefighters were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
“It’s terrible that our brave firefighters got hurt while on the job, looking out for all of us. We’re hoping they’re back on their feet soon,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster. “Folks, when you spot those flashing lights at an accident, let’s do the right thing – ease off the gas, pay attention, and give our crews the room they need to stay safe. We can’t keep having this sort of thing happen here. It’s unacceptable.”
Over the past few years, Clarington firetrucks have been hit numerous times while responding to incidents on provincial highways, despite the prominent red and blue flashing emergency lights and other safety measures in place to protect first responders and motorists.
Slow Down & Move Over
Both the OPP Highway Safety Division and Clarington yesterday reminded drivers to move over for flashing lights.
“This is yet another reminder of the real danger our firefighters and all emergency responders face when working along busy highways,” said Clarington Fire Chief Mariano Perini. “We’re extremely fortunate that our firefighters were not more seriously injured. I want to remind all motorists—when you see flashing lights, please slow down and move over. It’s the law, and it could save a life.”
The Municipality of Clarington extends its gratitude to all responding emergency personnel for their quick actions and professionalism at the scene, and to the community for their concern and support.
