Police: Fire truck driver at fault in Pa. fatal crash

Collision killed 70-year-old woman; fire truck driver has been placed on administrative leave until police complete their investigation

December 12, 2011 04:33 AM

Editor’s note: While it is too early to comment on the specifics of the case resulting from this unfortunate incident, this article is an important reminder that driving fire and emergency vehicles carries both physical and legal risk to fire department members. Whatever your role in the fire service, it’s vital to ensure drivers have the proper training, frequent practice, and the right mindset to get everyone on the apparatus safely to, and from, the scene. Vehicle-related incidents are a leading cause of firefighter injuries and deaths; while sometimes they are difficult to avoid, many are entirely preventable. Be sure to check out the USFA Emergency Vehicle Safety Initiative page for more resources. Chief Adam K. Thiel, FR1 Editorial Advisor

By Matt Ciccocioppo
The Sentinel

MT. HOLLY SPRINGS, Pa. — State police have determined that the driver of a fire truck from Citizens Fire Co. of Mt. Holly Springs was at fault in Thursday’s crash in South Middleton Township that resulted in the death of a 70-year-old Carlisle area woman.

Cumberland County Coroner Todd Eckenrode identified the victim Thursday night as Constance Walsh of Walnut Bottom Road in Carlisle.

State police spokesperson Michele Davis said police are currently consulting with the Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office to determine if charges will be filed against the fire truck driver. Citizen’s Fire Co. issued a statement Friday afternoon that said the fire truck driver has been placed on administrative leave until police complete their investigation.

Pennsylvania’s vehicle code says non-emergency vehicles have to yield to emergency vehicles responding to a call, Davis said. But emergency vehicles also have the obligation to yield to non-emergency vehicles entering their path, she said.

The crash took place at the intersection of routes 34 and 174 shortly after 3 p.m. Thursday as the fire truck was responding to an emergency call for a vehicle fire on Interstate 81.

According to police, Walsh was driving a Ford Freestyle minivan westbound on East Old York Road (Route 174) when she entered the intersection at the same time as the fire truck was travelling north on the Holly Pike (Route 34).

Davis said police have not determined whether or not Walsh ran the red light at the intersection. Davis said the fire truck did have its lights and siren on as it approached the intersection.

Police also said the drivers of both vehicles were wearing seat belts. The fire truck was occupied by a four-man crew, and police said the members attempted to provide first aid to Walsh. Unfortunately, the crew’s attempts were unsuccessful, a press release said.

Fire company issues statement

Citizen’s Fire Company issued a statement Friday afternoon regarding the crash.

The statement reads:

“The membership of the Citizen’s Fire Company of Mount Holly Springs would like to express their sincere condolences to the family of the victim of yesterday’s tragic accident involving a piece of our apparatus. These are extremely heartbreaking circumstances and our company is deeply saddened by this loss. Members have been provided with critical incident stress debriefing (CISD) assistance to help them through this difficult event.

“This is an ongoing police investigation coordinated by the Pennsylvania State Police and the Cumberland County Coroner’s office. Questions regarding the incident can be directed to these two agencies pending the conclusion of the investigation. At this time the Citizen’s Fire driver has been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.”

Republished with permission from The Sentinel

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