WHITE PINE, TENNESSEE — A White Pine Fire Department engine that was intentionally parked to protect firefighters and civilians at an I-81 crash scene was struck and destroyed by a semi-truck hauling additional semi-trucks Monday night — and the reason no firefighters were hurt is exactly because the truck was positioned where it was.
White Pine Fire Department responded to a multi-vehicle crash on southbound I-81 near mile marker 5 just after 10 p.m. on September 21. Engine 24, a 2007 Ferrara Intruder Custom Cab, was parked behind the original crash site blocking the right shoulder and the slow lane to create a protective barrier between approaching traffic and the responders working the scene. At approximately 10:29 p.m. a semi-truck hauling a trailer loaded with additional semi-trucks struck Engine 24. The truck came to rest against the driver’s side of the engine. Engine 24 sustained significant damage and was placed out of service indefinitely.
All personnel were outside of and away from the apparatus at the time of the collision. No firefighters were injured.
“The positioning of Engine 24 was intentional and was intended to provide protection between approaching traffic and those operating at the original crash scene,” the department said. “We are extremely thankful to report that no WPFD firefighters were injured.”
The department said it hopes the incident serves as a reminder to fellow responders to remain vigilant while operating on roadways and to use effective apparatus positioning and blocking techniques whenever possible.
Tennessee Highway Patrol responded and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. Because the investigation is ongoing, WPFD said it would not speculate on the cause.
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