South Carolina Fire Truck Crash Under Investigation

The Bluffton Township Fire District truck involved in a traffic accident last week was a back-up that was being used while a main engine was being repaired.

Now, the back-up truck is in the shop after it was struck by a 2008 Kia as it crossed U.S. 278 during a March 28 medical call to Moss Creek.

Fortunately, the main engine has returned to service, according to Capt. Randy Hunter. The damaged vehicle "was only a secondary apparatus, so everything worked out for the best, I guess," he said.

It is not clear how much it will cost to repair the damaged back-up, one of three the district keeps in reserve. The truck is still being assessed for damages by the district's maintenance team, Hunter said.

It was struck on the left side, near a water intake, which might have damaged the water line, Hunter said.

The accident is under investigation by S.C. Highway Patrol, which stated last week that the car failed to yield the right of way as the firetruck was crossing the U.S. 278 intersection from Buckingham Plantation Drive.

The driver was taken to a local hospital with unknown injuries. It's not clear if the driver has been cited. Attempts Monday to reach troopers for comment were unsuccessful.

The three firefighters in the engine were not injured and got out of the truck to continue responding to the medical call after the collision, Hunter said. The firetruck struck and damaged the Moss Creek Plantation entrance sign and had to be towed away.

The wreck was "not something that is ever supposed to happen," Hunter said.

Hunter said drivers can sometimes be frightened when they hear the wail of vehicles responding to an emergency situation.

"When you see an emergency vehicle, whether it's a police car, an ambulance or a fire truck, first off, don't panic," Hunter said. "You want to pull over, but do it safely. Use your turn signal so (responders) can see that you see them and are pulling over as they are trying to get through."

Copyright 2012 - The Island Packet, Hilton Head Island, S.C.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service