Three firefighters from the Braden fire department in Tennessee were injured while fighting a grass fire in the median of Interstate 40 in Fayette County on Monday. At about 5:10 p.m. a pickup pulling a trailer veered into the median and struck the rear of their fire engine, injuring the three firefighters. Two of the firefighters were listed in serious condition at the Regional Medical Center in Memphis while the third firefighter was treated and released from a hospital.
The driver of the pickup was killed and his passenger was transported to a hospital.
Here is an excerpt from the Braden FD’s Facebook page that was updated late Monday night:
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“This afternoon Braden responded on a grass fire on I-40 at the 40 mile marker in the median. Many times if in a pumper we will use the deck gun to quickly hit the fire to limit our exposure on the interstate. That is what they did today. While putting flaps back and shifting out the pump, Engine 2 was rear ended by a truck and trailer. Three of our brother firefighters were injured and taken to hospitals. Two were flown to the Med and one was taken to Somerville were he was treated and released. The two at the Med are in serious condition.
Our apparatus is Lime Green, we wear yellow turnouts and also wear ANSI vest. All this just to be better seen on the Interstate. We have been very lucky in the past, but the Interstate is just a dangerous place to work.
I want to thank everyone involved in this incident tonight whatever part you played. A ton of people stepped up and offered help. I also want you to think outside of this tragic event that happend to Braden Fire Department tonight and include those who lost their father and husband in this accident.
We will try to keep you posted on Mack & Josh’s condition and request you keep them and their families in your prayers.”
