This incident is the latest in a rash of high profile, uniquely challenging incidents firefighters and emergency responders have faced in the past couple of weeks. Learn how multi-jurisdictional, mutual-aid and pre-construction planning proved invaluable in this response from FireRescue1 Executive Editor Chief Marc Bashoor and responding PGFD Duty Chief Denny Chatel.
By FireRescue1 Staff
WASHINGTON — A fatal, fiery crash shut down a portion of a bridge and impacted traffic throughout the area.
WTOP reported that a tractor trailer lost control and collided with a boom truck, causing a fire to ignite and resulting in the death of the tractor trailer driver.
A highway was shut down due to heavy smoke from the fire, and major backups occurred during rush hour.
“It looked like a bomb went off,” a witness said.
Prince George Fire/EMS spokesperson Mark Brady said several workers had to be rescued with the help of police officers on a boat from under the bridge after becoming stranded when the fire started.
Assistant Fire Chief Denny Chatel said seven other people were treated and released, and one patient was taken to the hospital.
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