On Monday morning, Oct 29, at 1006 hours Goochland Fire-Rescue units from Companies 4, 5, and 6 were dispatched for smoke inside a residential structure.
"At approximately 1035 hours", said Goochland Deputy Chief Eddie Ferguson, "a report of an auto accident involving a fire engine on Fairground Road was dispatched. Upon arrival one fire engine was found overturned with one firefighter injured and trapped inside. The firefighter was extricated from the vehicle then airlifted by Med-Flight I to VCU Medical Center with serious injuries."
Officials are withholding the name of the firefighter pending notification of the patient's family.
Ferguson said the accident is under investigation by the Virginia State Police.
"There was only one firefighter on board," the Deputy Chief said, "and no other vehicles were involved. The fire engine involved was a new fire engine and was equipped with special occupant safety systems to include side air bags and roll over protection which is believed to have provided protection to the firefighter. Our thoughts and prayers are with the firefighter and the family. Special appreciation to Hanover Fire and EMS and Henrico Division of Fire who assisted both on the scene and with handling other emergency incidents in the county. We appreciate the support from other surrounding jurisdictions also."
More details will be made availble as they are released.