AL Engine Totaled While Blocking at MVA Scene

A small volunteer fire department in southern Alabama is down an engine after the rig was totaled when it was struck by a passing vehicle while serving as a blocker at a roadway incident.

The accident was caused by a distracted driver Saturday morning as the Chickasaw Fire Department responded to a multi-vehicle accident.

"Some folks have asked why we send a fire truck to an automobile accident," a Facebook post about the incident reads. "It is to protect our first responders from distracted drivers."

The apparatus performed its purpose as no responders were injured in the crash. Photos of the engine show the cab completely sheared in two and hanging off the side of the chassis.