Vehicle Extrication on Interstate 40

On July 30, 2012 at 10:30 AM, E526 was dispatched to Interstate 40 near the 96 mile marker for a reported motor vehicle accident with occupants trapped. While in route, additional information was recieved that a passenger car was pinned underneath a bus with trapped occupants, at that time E521 was dispatched for heavy rescue equipment and additional manpower. Upon E526's arrival, they found a vehicle that had been struck on the passengers side at freeway speeds with heavy damage and trapping the occupant inside. Crews removed the driver from the vehicle who was transported to an area hospital by ground and later transported by air.



E526 Firefighter Matt Young and Engineer Ron Hood
extricating the passenger from the vehicle.

E526 crew also began extrication on the passenger side to remove the patient which had significant hip and chest injuries. Crews successfully conducted a "side blitz" on the vehicle and removed the patient who was airlifted to an area hospital. The cause of the accident is being investigated by the Deptartment of Public Safety but is believed to be weather related. The slow lane of traffic was closed for approximately 2 hours while crews worked and the vehicle was removed.

Completed "side blitz" on the passenger side of the vehicle.