While responding to a call for medical assistance Tuesday morning, Engine 74 from the Gridley/Butte County Fire Department was involved in a collision with a big rig truck.
The accident occurred at 8:36 a.m. on Highway 99 at East Gridley Road.
According to Lt. Brian Cook of the Gridley Police Department, Engineer William "Skip" Sanner, 40, had just left the station and was driving west on East Gridley Road when he came to a complete stop at Highway 99, then began to turn left in the southbound direction.
Cook said the fire engine was running code 3 with lights and siren.
A westbound semi-tractor/trailer driven by Singh Jandawa Ajit, 52, then collided with the fire engine, striking the left, rear quarter panel.
A passenger in the engine, firefighter Alberto Ramirez, 36, received minor injuries, including a cut to the head. Sanner, a Chico resident, wasn't hurt.
Ajit had minor injuries and complained of pain, but told police he would seek his own medical attention. The Yuba City man said the truck's trailer was loaded with Italian cheese.
Damage to the fire engine's Hi-Tech water pumping system was extensive. The collision also displaced the rear axle. The impact spun the engine half way around.
The big rig was damaged in the left, front portion of the cab.
A preliminary estimate to repair the fire engine was set at $70,000, said CDF spokeswoman Janet Marshall.
Cook said there was no immediate cause determined for the collision. A further investigation will be conducted by the California Highway Patrol.
The 8:23 a.m. call for medical attention, described as a man having chest pains at a residence on Meyers Avenue, was answered by another engine.
The victim, whose name wasn't available, was transported by ambulance to Rideout Hospital in Marysville.
Until Engine 74 can be repaired and put back in service, Gridley will receive an older CDF replacement engine shared by south county fire stations.
