The crew aboard Engine 13 was stopped at a traffic light at Pikes Peak Avenue and Academy Boulevard at approximately 5:45 p.m. when a driver was unable to stop in time and hit the rig, department spokesman Mike Smaldino said.
He said the four firefighters -- who were returning from training -- felt a jolt and were surprised when they looked in the rearview mirror to find the hood of 1990 Buick Riviera lodged under the tailboard.
"They barely even knew they were hit."
Smaldino said the firefighters made sure they were all OK before exiting the engine to check on the conditions of the driver and passengers.
"They kind of just jumped out and went into [rescue] mode and figured it all out really quickly," he said, adding that they were lucky there were no serious injuries.
He also said that while administering treatment to the victims, they had to put out a small blaze after the engine of the car started to smoke and caught fire.
The three civilians were transported to a local hospital in stable condition with neck and back pain.
Smaldino said another engine and an EMS unit were sent to the scene to assist the firefighters.
The driver of the Buick was cited by police for careless driving.
Paul Peluso | Staff Writer
Paul Peluso is a Firehouse.com staff writer and has worked for the Web site since 2006. Previously, he worked as a reporter for several community newspapers located in the suburbs of Baltimore, Md. Since joining the newsteam, Paul has covered various fire service issues including fire sprinklers, grants, line of duty deaths and technology. While he started out at the Beltsville, Md. office, he has since moved to Florida where he works out of his home office in Tampa.
