N.C. Firefighter Hospitalized after Ladder Truck Overturns
Dec. 21--WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC
A south Charlotte firefighter has been released from the hospital after officials say the ladder truck he was driving overturned early Sunday.
It's the second time this year firefighters from that same station, which services the Ballantyne area, were involved in a crash. In May, officials said a crew member at the wheel of an engine sped through a residential neighborhood, then crashed it while responding to a medical call.
Sunday's crash, reported at 3:25 a.m., only involved the Charlotte Fire Department's Ladder 32 truck while crews were responding to a residential fire alarm on Community House Drive, fire officials said.
The four firefighters on board were able to escape from the truck once it rolled onto its side. They were evaluated on scene.
The truck's driver was taken to an area hospital with hand injuries, officials said. He has since been released.
The truck is out of commission, but no estimate on the amount of damage it sustained was available, said Charlotte Fire Capt. Rob Brisley.
The fire department has activated a truck in its reserve fleet to serve that area of south Charlotte.
Police are investigating the cause of the crash, and fire officials have launched an internal investigation -- routine for any crashes involving the fire department.
The driver's identity has not been released. Brisley said no disciplinary actions had been taken against the firefighter by Sunday afternoon.
The engine was a replacement after a crash in May totaled another Ladder 32 truck at the intersection of Ardrey Kell and Bridgehampton Road while crews responded to a medical call.
In that crash, four firefighters were also on board and treated for minor injuries.
Investigators determined that speed was the cause of the crash after firefighter Mark Staker drove the truck 44 mph in a 25-mph speed zone.
The truck skidded on the road about 25 feet before it caught fire. The crash resulted in about $800,000 in damage.
After an internal investigation, Staker and the on-board captain, whose name was not released, were suspended for two weeks without pay.
Charlotte firefighters are required to take a state certification class before operating emergency vehicles.
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