Oklahoma Fire Engine Wrecks While Responding to Call

NORMAN, Okla. -- Firefighters in Norman's Fire Engine 8 headed out to respond to a wreck Saturday, but became involved in a wreck of their own six minutes later.

The engine crew, sirens blaring, was responding to the first wreck when a white GMC truck collided with the engine at 4:33 p.m. at Interstate 35 and Robinson Street. The collision damaged the GMC's front bumper and the fire engine's driver-side door, front bumper and windshield. The engine remained in driveable condition, Deputy Fire Chief Jim Bailey said.

The engine rested only half a mile south of the first wreck, which took place at 4:27 p.m. on I-35.

Norman Police Capt. Tom Easley reported that the first wreck, in which one vehicle overturned, led to minor injuries, including bruising for vehicle occupants.

Wreckage from both incidents rested in the northbound left lane, so northbound traffic was restricted to two lanes in the vicinity of the wrecks.

Traffic was moving at about 35 miles per hour at 5:15 p.m., though the area became less congested by 5:30 p.m.

Bailey said no firefighters were injured in the engine wreck.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol is investigating both incidents, a Norman police official said, though patrol Spokeswoman Betsy Randolph could not be reached for comment.

Not the first time

Bailey said this is not the first time a fire engine has been involved in a wreck.

"Typically the wrecks, if it's caused by somebody else, it's just like a wreck that would happen to any other vehicle," Bailey said. "The city will contact the insurance company to file a claim."

He said the repairs will be overseen by the Norman Fleet Management Division, which is responsible for the city's vehicles. The division will likely contract the repairs with a body shop.

Bailey said the city is likely to file a claim with the other driver's insurance company, and he said repairs are likely to be expensive.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service