Apparatus

Missouri Ladder Truck Struck While Leaving Scene

Sept. 19, 2012

A Central County Fire & Rescue ladder truck was rear-ended by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel as it was leaving the scene of a crash the night of Sept. 15.

A Central County ladder truck was struck while leaving the scene of a crash the night of Sept. 15.

A Central County Fire & Rescue ladder truck was struck while leaving the scene of a crash the night of Sept. 15.

The crew was pulling away from the scene on Interstate 70 around 11:30 p.m. when it was rear-ended by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel, according to a department press release.

This is the second time in less than a year that one of the department's apparatus has been hit by a motorist. The previous incident, which occurred in January, claimed the life of the car's driver.

"Luckily, no firefighters were injured and the driver of the car only suffered minor injuries," Fire Chief Russ Mason said in a statement.

Officials said the ladder truck severely damaged in the collision.