Van, Fire Engine Collide in Miami; Civilian Killed

April 18, 2006
The van driver apparently turned into the path of the fire engine that was headed to an emergency.

A fire engine was involved in a fatal accident with a Toyota van on Tuesday, instantly killing the driver.

Police said Miami-Dade Fire-Rescue Engine No. 7 was responding to an emergency and traveling south in the center turn lane on Northwest 7th Avenue when Elise Kelly, who was driving the van, turned into the path of the engine.

Kelly failed to yield to the emergency sirens and flashing lights of the engine, according to witnesses.

The force of the impact sent both vehicles across northbound traffic and into the parking lot of the Miami Lincoln Mercury, where the van struck a utility pole, knocking out electricity in the area.

Three firefighters received minor injuries and were taken to North Shore Medical Center.

Northwest 7th Avenue was closed between 95th and 81st streets.

Copyright 2006 by Local10.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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