PHOTO IAFF LOCAL 1339
Firefighters Capt. John Keane (left) and Joseph Fischetti (right) remained in critical condition Monday. |
WATERBURY, Conn. — Two Waterbury firefighters remained in critical condition Monday afternoon following a collision between two fire trucks.
Capt. John Keane and Joseph Fischetti were thrown from an engine when it collided with a ladder truck Saturday morning while responding to a kitchen fire.
Six other firefighters were injured, but have since been discharged from the hospital.
Waterbury Fire Department Chief Michael Maglione said Keane was listed in a critical condition with severe head injuries Monday at Yale-New Haven Hospital.
Fischetti, who was driving the truck, was critical but stable at Waterbury Hospital, said Maglione, and was able to chat with visitors.
"He has begun the healing process," Maglione said. "He has his wife and children nearby, and firefighters nearby who will make sure any of his needs are taken care of."
City and state police are carrying out an investigation into the accident, and are in the process of interviewing collision witnesses and firefighters who were involved.
The engine truck was heading west on East Aurora Street and the ladder truck was traveling north on Route 73 when they collided at a high rate of speed at the intersection of the two roads, according to reports.
"It's a very emotional time for the fire department, having so many hurt," Maglione said.
|
PHOTO KEVIN J. CZARZASTY
Emergency personnel gather Saturday at the scene of the collision.
|
"It's a very close-knit department."
He declined to comment whether seat belts were being used by crews on the trucks at the time of the accident.
Some of the injured firefighters requested to return to work Monday, but Maglione ordered them to recuperate.
"They are all at home, mending," Maglione said. "Their injuries range from lacerations to severe bruising to broken fingers."
Saturday's fire started with food burning on a stove and was handled by other firefighters who responded to the incident.
