Three North Carolina firefighters were injured after their apparatus hydroplaned across a slick road while responding to a call Thursday morning.
The accident happened shortly after 10 a.m. as Cleveland Fire Department's Engine 2 and Ladder 1 were headed to a fire, the department said in an online update. Heavy rains that morning had led to standing water along the pavement, causing Engine 2 to hydroplane.
As the apparatus crossed the wet road, it hit a ditch and struck a tree before finally flipping on its side. No other vehicles were involved in the accident.
The three firefighters inside the apparatus were taken to Johnston Health Clayton hospital, where they were treated for minor injuries and eventually released. As of Thursday night, they were resting at their homes.
“While all of us have been consumed with fears of COVID-19 response, today’s accident serves as a reminder that our firefighters and first responders still face all the normal dangers involved in responding promptly to emergencies in all conditions,” Fire Chief Chris Ellington said in a statement. “Our thanks go out to the Clayton Fire Department for stepping in to temporarily cover our calls in the area during this incident and to the community for your continued support and prayers.”
The North Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the scene and investigated the crash. No charges will be filed in the incident, the department added.
