Units Respond to Fatal Accident

On June 2, 2012 around 1 PM, E521, C501, R235 and Batt. 2 were dispatched to Interstate 40 at the 59 mile marker (DW Ranch Rd) for a motor vehicle accident with entrapment. Units arrived on scene to find a tractor trailer that had ran into the rear of another tractor trailer at a high rate of speed. The driver of the rear semi was deceased upon arrival, and a lengthy extrication was initiated to remove the driver and search for other occupants. Crews cut a hole in the side of the sleeper to enter the semi to search for other patients and assist in removing the driver. No other occupants were found inside the vehicle. Both lanes of Interstate 40 eastbound were reduced to the median shoulder for approximately 4 hours. The driver of the second vehicle was transported to an area hospital with minor injuries.

Firefighters Steve Little, Chris Braudaway and Beau Jackson
removing the door of the semi to access the patient.