A Watertown fire engine returning from a Salmon Run Mall alarm call struck two utility poles after its driver suffered a medical emergency and was left unconscious

By Craig Fox
Watertown Daily Times

WATERTOWN, N.Y. — A Town of Watertown fire truck was involved in an accident on Tuesday morning after the driver suffered a sudden medical emergency and the apparatus subsequently struck two utility poles in front of Samaritan Medical Center on Washington Street.

The other firefighter on the board immediately attempted to assist and revive the driver, who was unconscious, Town of Watertown Fire Department officials said in a press release. The fire truck came to a stop after hitting the two utility poles, fire officials said.

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As of mid-afternoon, the driver, who is not being identified, was still being evaluated in Samaritan’s ER, Fire Chief Joe Simpson said.

At about 9:30 a.m., the fire truck was returning to the fire station on Brookside Drive from being dispatched from an alarm activation at the Salmon Run Mall when the accident occurred, fire officials said. Both firefighters were properly secured with seatbelts.

Emergency responders quickly arrived on scene and provided medical assistance to the injured firefighters. The second unidentified firefighter was evaluated at the scene and released.

The circumstances surrounding the driver’s medical emergency and the apparatus accident remain under investigation.

One pole was sheared off completely and a second was hit at the corner of Haley and Washington. The first pole struck was near the corner of Bowers Avenue and it is hanging from its wires above Washington Street .

The Town of Watertown Fire Department officials would like to thank the responding agencies; Watertown City Fire and Police and Guilfoyle ambulance personnel for their prompt assistance.

They ask the public to keep the affected firefighters, their families, and the department’s members in their thoughts during this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

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