Dec. 14--A Gardners man driving a fire truck that struck an SUV, killing its driver, while responding to a call in Cumberland County Thursday was found to be at fault, according to a state police investigation.
A preliminary investigation by the Pennsylvania State Police at Carlisle determined the driver for the fire truck from Citizen's Fire Co. in Mount Holly Springs -- Paul Baer, 48, of Gardners -- failed to yield the right of way to the SUV, causing the fatal crash.
It was unclear Tuesday if charges were going to be filed.
State police said the investigation is continuing.
According to police, a Ford Freestyle was traveling west on Route 174, approaching the intersection with Route 34 in Middleton Township.
The fire truck, with its lights and siren activated, traveled north on 34, heading toward a car fire on Interstate 81, according to police.
Police say as the fire truck approached the intersection, it collided with the SUV, striking the driver's side door.
The driver, Constance Walsh, 70, of Carlisle, was killed. Firefighters unsuccessfully tried to revive her, according to state police.
Speed is not believed to be a factor.
The state vehicle code says non-emergency vehicles must yield to emergency vehicles responding to a call, but also says emergency vehicles must yield to non-emergency vehicles when they enter its path.
According to a statement released by the fire company, Baer has been put on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
"The membership of the Citizen's Fire Company of Mount Holly Springs would like to express their sincere condolences to the family of the victim," a statement on the fire company's website said. "These are extremely heartbreaking circumstances and our company is deeply saddened by this loss."
