Tapes Released In Crash Between Baltimore Fire Truck, SUV

Dec. 12, 2007
Authorities have released emergency calls in connection with the fatal weekend crash.

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BALTIMORE --

Authorities have released emergency calls in connection with a fatal weekend crash that involved a city fire truck and an SUV.

The Baltimore City Fire Department on Tuesday released tapes of communications that took place before and after the crash.

Three people were killed and four people were injured when a sport utility vehicle collided with a fire truck responding to a call, authorities said.

The fire truck was traveling northbound on Park Heights Avenue in response to a call for smoke in a building when it collided with the SUV, which was traveling eastbound on Clarks Lane. The crash occurred at about 3 a.m. Sunday.

"Truck 27 has been involved in a serious accident," a dispatcher said, 33 seconds before crews called for more help.

The victims were identified as driver Iryna Petrov, 49, front seat passenger Mikhail Petrov, 35, and backseat passenger Igor Saub, 24, according to Sterling Clifford, a spokesman for the police department and mayor.

Two firefighters, an officer and an emergency vehicle driver were treated and released at the University of Maryland's R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, said fire department spokesman Kevin Cartwright.

According to WBAL TV 11 News sources, the investigation is focusing on several factors, including whether the driver of the fire truck properly went through a red light and possible alcohol consumption on the part of the driver of the SUV.

Fire department policy allows fire equipment to go through a red light on an emergency call, but only if the operator first stops to make sure the intersection is clear.

A spokesman for the Petrov family said the family has hired two lawyers. A date hasn't been set for the funerals.

Stay with WBAL TV 11 News and WBALTV.com for updates.

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