Yesterday, that crash in Montcalm County (MI) killed a woman after a first responder rescue unit that was responding to a double-fatal crash a few miles away. It was that initial crash that killed 2 people which put Montcalm County Emergency Services rescue Lt. Richard Wayne Pierce, 70, on the road and responding to the scene.
According to cops, Pierce’s rescue truck was going north with its lights and sirens activated, when it went through a stop sign and collided with an eastbound car, killing a passenger in the car. "He never stopped at the stop sign," says witness and nearby resident Dan Bennett. "He crushed that car."
Michigan State law allows drivers of emergency vehicles to "proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation." The state law in question also allows drivers of authorized emergency vehicles to drive in excess of speed limits "so long as he or she does not endanger life or property."
Killed was a 61-year-old passenger and 74 year old car’s driver was critically injured and taken by helicopter to the hospital. Montcalm County Rescue’s Pierce received injuries that were not life-threatening. The Montcalm County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing this crash to see if criminal charges will be filed.
