Licking County fire engine damaged in semi-truck crash

PATASKALA, Ohio (WCMH) — The West Licking Fire District is without one of its fire engines after it was hit by a semi truck.

“Fortunately, we’re just speaking about a truck and not a person, and fortunately, the other vehicle didn't get struck either," West Licking Fire Department Lt. Nick Rhodes said. 

The crash happened Saturday night on I-70 East as the fire engine was responding to the scene of a car that had hit a deer, according to Rhodes. The fire truck was being set up at an angle to protect everyone at that initial scene. Rhodes said firefighters hadn't exited the truck when the semi sideswiped the fire engine. The semi then drove into the median, narrowly missing the initial car.

“You can see his tracks, almost hit the car we were stopping for," said a member of fire department in video from the district taken at the scene that night.

There is damage along most of the driver's side of the fire engine. The grab bars, which help firefighters get in and out, were torn off, as were the mirrors. Part of the windshield was also broken and a front tire needed to be replaced. The truck was drained before it was taken to the shop to check on possible axle and frame damage.

“They were checking their mirrors and the unfortunate happened, but that is the side they would have been exiting the truck out of. So that's why I say we’re a couple seconds away from a significant tragedy," Rhodes said.

Rhodes said he and the rest of the West Licking Fire team are grateful no one was hurt and hopes this can be a reminder for other drivers.

“We were seconds away from a significant tragedy that evening, not only for us, but also for civilians, so we just ask if you see flashing lights, whether it's fire department, law enforcement, road crews, please slow down, and pay attention," he said.

The department's backup engine is already being used, so the department is borrowing an engine from another department, according to Rhodes.

The Ohio State Highway Patrol said the driver of the semi truck has been cited for not allowing enough space between themselves and the vehicle in front of them.