La Center, Washington – Fire Engine Rollover Crash at Private Road

La Center, Washington (March 30, 2020) – A fire engine from Clark County Fire District 10 ended up flipping onto its top into a creek on a private road leading to Northeast 405th Street on Monday morning. According to an article from The Reflector, the driver of the engine was transported to the hospital for an evaluation, but was released with no injuries. The driver was reported to have been wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. No other injuries were reported in the incident, and as this engine was a backup to the response it did not affect the medical call.

Crews were dispatched to Northeast 405th Street before 8:30 a.m. to respond to a medical call. However, while heading towards the location on a private road, some of the roadway’s support gave way and the engine was dropped off an embankment. After the vehicle’s fall, booms were placed downstream to prevent any chemical leaks from the truck going into the stream. Tow trucks were later used to get the engine out of the water.

About Vehicle Accidents

In 2017, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT)  have reported a total of 120, 993 car accidents. Of those accidents, 525 were fatal ad 34, 311 were possible or suspected of injuries. This type of accident where the vehicle has landed on the side or top can be classified under rollover accident, a hazardous situation in which victims may get trapped inside the car. Sometimes, outside help is needed to safely get trapped occupants out of the car. This type of accident usually happens after trying to turn on high speeds. Cars that are more susceptible to rollover accidents are lighter cars with a high gravity center, though it should be noted any car can roll over given the circumstance. In a rollover crash, injuries that can be expected are broken wrists, whiplash among other neck-related injuries, as well as head and spinal injuries. Wearing a seat belt helps mitigate possible injuries in this particular type of incident, and also minimizes the chances of being flung from the vehicle when it flips over.

As always, we urge all drivers to practice caution while out on the streets. Be specially if the road is lacking sufficient illumination. It would also help to identify busy roads ad try to avoid being in their proximity to minimize any risk of a vehicle accident. Any mistake can lead to injuries and damage not only to your person, but on other people as well.

[cta]