Wisconsin Fire Truck Struck by Semi While in Blocking Position

A Semi tractor-trailer crashed into blocking fire apparatus in Michigan on Saturday, February 6, 2010 - A semi tractor-trailer crashed into a parked Van Buren Township fire truck on I-94 this morning, critically injuring the driver of the semi, Michigan State Police at the Metro South post said.

No firefighters were injured. The crash occurred on eastbound I-94 near Rawsonville Road at about 3:34 a.m., and police are still on the scene as of 7:45 a.m. A Van Buren fire truck was parked on the scene of a reported vehicle fire on I-94 near the Providence of Harbour Club Apartments when it was struck from behind by a semi-tractor trailer, according to the township fire department.

The fire truck was blocking the right shoulder and right travel lane of I-94 to direct traffic around the vehicle fire, a Van Buren Township Fire Department press release said. Capt. Anthony Karver and firefighter Curtis Lunsford were in the truck, warming up from the frigid temperatures, when the semi struck the back of Engine 1, the release said. The semi was forced into the right-side ditch.

The driver of the semi was unresponsive and was trapped in the wreckage, the release said. Fire crews used specialized tools to free him from the semi 23 minutes after the crash, the release said. The driver was transferred to an awaiting Survival Flight helicopter and was flown to the University of Michigan Trauma Center.

A condition was not available this morning. Fire officials said he had numerous broken bones and serious cuts. The man's name, age and hometown haven't been released. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash, State Police Sgt. Al Neal said.

Eastbound I-94 is still partially blocked for clean-up, Neal said at 7:45 a.m. The 2004 Pierce fire engine is preliminarily considered “totaled” due to severe damage to the truck’s waterway, chassis, equipment compartment, and equipment, the release said.