SILVER SPRING, Md. — A fire engine worth more than $500,000 was likely destroyed in weekend floodwaters, and the firefighter who drove it is now under investigation.
According to Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service, the incident occurred on July 19, in Silver Spring as firefighters responded to rescue occupants from a partially submerged vehicle, NBC Washington reported.
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As rising waters surrounded the car, bystanders stepped in to help, pulling one person through a passenger window and assisting others still trapped inside.
Video showed firefighters driving the engine into deep floodwaters, causing water to surge over the windshield and sending a wake that rocked the already submerged vehicle.
Though everyone in the car was safely rescued, the fire engine stalled and couldn’t be driven out. The crew had to call for a tow.
Fire Chief Corey Smedley told News4 the engine is likely a total loss. The firefighter behind the wheel has been placed on non-driving status while the incident is under review, though they have not been put on administrative leave. Mechanics are assessing whether the engine can be salvaged, but Smedley said that outcome is unlikely.
