Mansfield Fire Engine Struck While Shielding Crews at SH 360 Crash Scene

MANSFIELD, Texas - A Mansfield Fire Department engine positioned as a protective barrier at a crash scene was struck by another vehicle early Sunday morning on State Highway 360, but all three firefighters inside escaped injury.

The collision happened about 1:30 a.m. Oct. 4 in the southbound lanes of SH 360, where firefighters and paramedics were already working an earlier crash.

Engine 5 had been deliberately positioned between approaching traffic and Truck 3 and Medic 3, providing a barrier for emergency personnel working at the original accident scene.

The Mansfield Fire Department said all three firefighters inside Engine 5 were wearing seat belts when it was hit and were not injured.

After the impact, the Engine 5 crew got out and immediately turned its attention to the driver of the vehicle that had struck the fire truck.

Firefighters had to force open the vehicle's jammed door before they could reach the driver and begin providing medical care, according to the department. The driver was taken to a hospital in stable condition.

The department did not identify the driver or provide information about what led to the collision. It also did not disclose the extent of damage to Engine 5.

Fire officials said positioning an apparatus as a barrier is a standard roadway safety measure intended to give firefighters, paramedics and crash victims protection from approaching vehicles and secondary collisions.

The department used Sunday's crash to remind motorists approaching emergency scenes to slow down, move over when possible, avoid distractions and follow instructions from emergency personnel.