| Fire Co. with a reported vehicle accident involving entrapment.
While Engine Rescue 17 was responding, Deputy 20 arrived on scene and advised all incoming units to approach from the Karthaus side of the incident. At that time, Engine Rescue 17 was already committed on Deer Creek. However, Command 17 and Rescue 17 were able to divert and continue responding to the updated access point.
Upon arrival, crews found a tri-axle truck rolled onto its side, with the operator confined inside the cab. The situation was further complicated by a downed utility pole and a significant amount of live electrical wires stretched across the roadway and draped over the guardrail — including wires in direct contact with the truck.
As Engine Rescue 17 arrived, crews established a safe perimeter and were forced to stage until the power company could secure the hazard. Due to the live wires surrounding the vehicle, extrication efforts could not safely begin until power was disabled. Fire personnel requested the power company to expedite their response given the severity of the incident.
The power company was able to complete a remote shutoff of the affected lines, confirming the scene was safe for crews to initiate rescue operations. Firefighters then began a careful extrication of the operator from the cab of the tri-axle.
Once freed, the patient was transferred to EMS personnel ( Moshannon Valley EMS and Karthus EMS and transported to a local trauma center for further evaluation and treatment.
We would like to thank the Karthaus Fire Company, EMS, Pine Glen Fire Company ,PSP, and the power company for their coordinated efforts during this challenging and hazardous incident. Incidents involving both heavy vehicles and live utilities require patience, teamwork, and strict adherence to safety protocols — all of which were demonstrated on this call. |
