By Brian Day
The Pasadena Star-News
PASADENA, Calif. — A fire engine responding to a medical emergency collided with a car late Saturday, sending two firefighters and two civilians, including an underage driver, to a hospital, authorities said.
The crash was reported about 11:15 p.m. at Corson Street and Craig Avenue.
The two firefighters’ injuries were apparently minor, Pasadena Fire Department officials said in a written statement. They have been released from a hospital.
The two civilians — a 15-year-old driver and a young man who was riding as a passenger — suffered more serious injuries, including broken bones, department spokeswoman Lisa Derderian said. The injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.
Derderian said the firefighters were driving Engine 32 south on Craig, going to a medical call. The fire engine’s lights and sirens were on.
After coming to a stop at the intersection, the engine proceeded through a red light, she said.
“A Chevy Malibu was heading eastbound on Corson and broadsided the engine,” Derderian said.
The front of the Malibu struck the rear portion of the fire engine, injuring two of the four firefighters, officials said.
It was not clear Sunday if the young driver of the car would face criminal prosecution, police Lt. Diego Torres said.
The front of the Malibu was completely caved in, Derderian said, and there was “significant” damage to the fire engine.
“Until a mechanic can look at it ... we won’t know the full extent,” she said. “It was leaking fluids. It had to be towed away.”
Another fire engine was immediately dispatched to handle the medical call that Engine 32 was going to, officials said.
A reserve engine was brought into service to replace Engine 32, so the Fire Department remains at full force, Derderian said.
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