Conn. Fire Vehicle Hit, Two Injured

Feb. 15--EAST HARTFORD -- Firefighters who responded to two accidents on Route 2 were struck by a vehicle while on scene at the second accident Saturday night, according to a press release from the department.

On-duty Deputy Fire Chief Richard Westman and apparatus operator Lee Brow were driving the department's 2009 Chevrolet Suburban back to the fire department after responding to an accident on Route 2 in the area of exit 5B when they noticed another car had stuck along a guard rail in the center median, which separates east-bound and west-bound traffic.

After checking to see if the motorists involved had any injuries, another vehicle "traveling at a high rate of speed" crashed into the back of the Suburban, which is likely totaled, according to the press release.

The press release does not specify how many people were in the car that struck the department's Suburban, but did say all parties were transported to the hopsital for evaluation.

"The Deputy Chief called for additional resources, and he and [Brow], though injured, went to check on the occupants of the car that hit them," the press release reads.

According to the press release, Westman and Brow were evaluated, treated and released from the hospital.

"The accident is a brutal reminder of the risks faced by firefighters, police officers, EMS workers and public works/highway workers every single day as they operate on the roadway," Fire Chief John H. Oates said in a written statement. "We remind the public to slow down during bad weather and reduce their speed as they approach emergency vehicles working on the highway."

The original accident was on east-bound Route 2 in the area of exit 5B, according to the press release. Two people were extricated from a "heavily damaged car" which appeared to have crossed into east-bound traffic. That accident occurred during heavy snow and slick road conditions, according to the press release.

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