Vehicle Vs. Utility Pole
Story by: Steven Kadir
Washington Twp. (Mercer) – On July 17, 2007
Station 40 (Washington Twp. Fire Department) Group 3 was dispatched to the area
of Route 130 northbound across from the old USA Diner for a MVA. Rescue 140-10,
and Engine 40 Lead by Captain Hernandez had signed in service.Units arrived on
scene to find a serious motor vehicle accident involving a car that struck a
utility pole. Upon further size up of the scene Captain Hernandez learned that
after the vehicle had struck the pole, the vehicle rolled over and landed back
on its wheels. The utility pole guide wire was lying across all northbound
traffic.
Firefighters quickly assessed the injured occupants of the vehicle. Captain
Hernandez requested the backup ambulance for Washington Twp. be dispatched.
Hightstown Police dispatched Squad 41(Hightstown Squad which is staffed by
Washington Twp Personnel). One victim with a serious head injury was secured to
a backboard, and loaded into Rescue 140-10 and transported to the trauma center.
Engine 40’s crew remained on scene for the arrival of Rescue 41-11. Upon arrival
of Rescue 41-11 two additional injured people were being prepared for transport
to the hospital when Rescue 41-11 had a mechanical problem. At this point
Captain Hernandez had Squad 145(West Windsor E.M.S) dispatched. Once Ambulance
145-3 arrived on scene the injured victims were transferred to their ambulance
and transported to the hospital without further incident. Engine 40 stood by
until the tow company could remove the vehicle. The scene was turned over to
Washington Twp. Police to await the arrival of the utility company to repair the
downed telephone pole. Washington Twp. Police is investigating the accident.