Serious Vehicle Accident on Interstate 40

On August 19, 2012 around 5 PM, E526 and Chief 501 were dispatched to Interstate 40 near mile post 68 westbound for a reported vehicle accident involving 3 tractor trailers with possible extrication needed. First arriving units found 2 semi's blocking all three lanes of westbound traffic with extremely heavy damage to one of the semi's, at that time E521 was dispatched for heavy rescue. E526 crew deployed a handline and began assessing the patient who was still in the cab of the truck. E521 arrived on scene and it was determined that complete extrication was not needed to extract the driver from the truck, although additional manpower would be needed.

The patient was removed from the vehicle and packaged for transport by Angel 6 to Las Vegas, NV, as a level one trauma patient. The patient received multiple lacerations to the arm and head as well as a serious leg injury. The driver and passenger of the second vehicle involved were uninjured and refused medical care on scene. All three lanes of traffic westbound were closed for approximately 1 hour while crews worked and Angel 6 landed and was then reduced to the median shoulder while the vehicles were removed. The cause of the accident is unknown and is being investigated by the Arizona Department of Public Safety. No other injuries were reported.

The collision caused the cab of the semi to be rotated 90 degrees
with intrusion on the drivers side.

Photos Submitted by Engineer/EMT Chris Shaffer