WHITE PINE, Tenn. — A fire truck was hit by a tractor-trailer while responding to a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 81 Southbound the night of Sept. 21, according to the White Pine Fire Department.
WPFD said no firemen were hurt, as all crew members were outside of and away from the truck at the time of the crash.
Officials said Engine 24 was strategically placed behind the original crash site around Mile Marker 5 on I-81 South, blocking the right shoulder and right lane of the interstate to serve as a protective barrier for responders working at the scene and the civilians involved in the crash.
The department said its crews frequently respond to crashes on I-81, so they know the hazards of operating on the interstate.
WPFD said the tractor-trailer was transporting other semi trucks when it hit Engine 24, which is a 2007 Ferrara Intruder Custom Cab. However, because of the severity of the damage the truck sustained during the crash, WPFD said Engine 24 will be out of service indefinitely.
“We hope this incident serves as an important reminder to our fellow responders and departments to remain vigilant while operating on roadways and to utilize effective apparatus positioning and blocking techniques whenever possible,” WPFD officials said.
Officials said the Tennessee Highway Patrol responded to the scene and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash between the fire truck and the semi.
