Chief requests independent investigation in Fire & Rescue Apparatus involved traffic crash

On Thursday, November 11, just before 6 p.m., a Front Royal Volunteer Fire Department Fire Truck (Engine 1-Bravo) was involved in a motor vehicle crash. The engine, which was returning in non-emergency status from a previous motor vehicle accident was being driven by a volunteer Driver/Operator and was occupied by two additional career responders.

The engine and a passenger vehicle (pickup truck) collided in the area of the intersection of Strasburg Road and Homestead Drive. Upon reporting the collision, the crews of Engine 1 proceeded to assess the condition of the sole occupant of the pickup. It was determined that the occupant was entrapped in the vehicle and needed medical treatment. The crew began the treatment and extrication of the occupant by utilizing the equipment from the badly damaged engine. Additional resources were requested and assisted on the scene. It took firefighters approximately 30 minutes to extricate the occupant of the passenger vehicle. The occupant was treated and transported to an awaiting medivac helicopter where they were airlifted to Fairfax Trauma Center. Strasburg Road remained closed for several hours following the incident.

The three firefighters involved in the crash were treated and transported to Warren Memorial Hospital Center and later released without significant injury. As a result of the crash, Fire Chief James Bonzano requested full independent investigation to be conducted by the Virginia State Police. Additionally, the Chief has ordered a thorough administrative review of the incident.

The Department of Fire and Rescue Services extends its appreciation to the various agencies that assisted on the incident scene or provided coverage throughout the County during the incident.