Smyrna – Just after 3:20 Thursday morning rescue crews from the Citizens Hose Company of Smyrna and American Legion Ambulance 64 were dispatched to Route 1 NB in the area of north of Exit 114 for reports of a motor vehicle accident.
While en route crews were alerted that a caller was reporting that a vehicle had left the roadway. The caller advised that the road was icy.
As crews made their way to the scene Smyrna Command requested a DelDOT salt truck due to icy conditions. Upon their arrival, EMTs reported that the driver of the vehicle had self-extricated.
Just before 3:40 Smyrna Command advised that DelDOT had arrived on scene. Within minutes Command radioed Kent Center to report that a vehicle had slid on the ice and crashed into the back of Engine 44-4. Command then advised that the driver was heavily trapped in the vehicle and requested additional rescue crews. Kent Center then dispatched crews from the Clayton Fire Company and Kent County Medics to assist.
Moments later Smyrna Command radio Kent Center to report that all firefighters were accounted for. While crews worked to free the driver, Smyrna Command was asking Kent Center to check on aviation. Kent Center advised that all aviation assets were down due to weather. The trapped driver was freed after about twenty minutes and transported by ambulance with serious injuries.
“Engine 44-4 was occupied by the driver at the time and was uninjured. All other members of the crew were away from the truck at the time and also were uninjured.” read a statement on the company’s Facebook page.
As a result of the accident, Route 1 NB was closed for an extended period of time.
We’re expecting a press release later today from the Delaware State Police regarding this crash.
Photos of the damaged engine can be viewed here
