On Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at approx 1:30 in the afternoon, a single vehicle crash occured on Jolly Rd near Pennsylvania Ave in the City of Lansing. Lansing Firefighters were initially dispatched to the crash sending Engine 49 and Medic 46. Shortly after the initial call, dispatchers were updated that two patients were trapped and one was unconscious. Dispatch upgraded the run to an extrication response, adding extrication Engines 44 & 45, Battalion 44 and Medic 411 to the run.
First arriving units found an older model 4 door sedan that had struck a utility pole head on at approx 40MPH. The driver was conscious and talking, while the passenger was initially unresponsive. Both patients required extrication since neither front door would open. Engine 49 crew gained access for patient stabilization through a rear door. Engine 45 used hydraulic rescue tools to force the passenger side front door while Engine 44 began working on the driver side front door with a Sawzall. The doors were quickly forced and both patients were extricated within 11 minutes.
Each medic unit was assigned one patient and both worked quickly to stabilize the victims who were now conscious. Both patients were transported to the local trauma center with serious injuries. Unfortunately, the 77 year old passenger died in surgery later in the afternoon. It is believed the 57 year old driver experienced a medical condition while driving that caused her to strike the pole. The accident is still being investigated.
