Smithfield Fire Chief Larry Nichols, 50, was the operator of the 1974 "attack" engine on Kennedy Road at 11:20 a.m., Pennsylvania State Police said. Nichols received minor injuries and was treated and release. The driver and the passengers were all wearing their seatbelts.
Assistant Fire Chief Pat Wrisley said the engine had three occupants and was returning from a chimney fire at the Beach residence on Hoblet Road in Smithfield Township when Nichols was attempting to avoid a series of potholes. Wrisley said the truck was traveling at about 20 MPH.
When the vehicle reached the berm, the deteriorated earth from heavy rains of a three-foot embankment gave way and the vehicle slid and rolled down, Wrisley said.
East Smithfield provides emergency coverage to residents in Smithfield Township and parts of Springfield, West Burlington and Burlington Townships.
"There was a fair amount of damage (to the vehicle)," said Wrisley.
A meeting was held with neighboring fire departments to discuss coverage of emergencies while the East Smithfield was minus the engine.
The apparatus was the major "attack" engine that provided the most hoses at fires. A water-supply vehicle was moved up in the line of department vehicles as the new "attack" engine.
While the accident and the amount of damage have not been investigated by the company's insurance adjustor, Wrisley fears the truck might be totaled.
The accident comes on the heels of the company's biggest fundraiser -- Fourth of July fireworks celebration -- and Wrisley is hoping area residents respond to the aid of the department.
The price tag of a new engine would be approximately $325,000. The fireworks celebration will take place on Friday, July 4, at dusk, in East Smithfield at the VFW Grounds.
