| Company 17, along with Company 16, began responding as additional information was relayed from County 911.
While units were en route, updated reports indicated that the initial crash involving the two tractor trailers had no entrapment. However, moments later, multiple calls began coming in reporting a second accident in the traffic backlog, with confirmed heavy entrapment.
Given the evolving situation, Engine Rescue 17 was redirected to the second crash, while Rescue 17 and Utility 17 continued to the original incident.
Upon arrival at the second crash, crews from Engine Rescue 17 and Rescue 16 immediately went to work. Personnel deployed hydraulic tools, including spreaders, cutters, and rams, to begin extrication efforts on a heavily entrapped operator.
At the same time, Rescue 17 arrived at the initial crash and confirmed there were no injuries or entrapment involving the tractor trailers.
Due to early unconfirmed reports of entrapment in multiple vehicles, additional resources were requested, including a rescue from Philipsburg and Clearfield. Once it was confirmed that only the second crash involved entrapment, Rescue 57 was directed to assist at the initial scene alongside Rescue 17, while Rescue 1 was staged off the interstate and later released.
Crews operated for several hours under challenging conditions to safely extricate the patient and mitigate hazards at both scenes. Interstate 80 was shut down for approximately four hours to allow emergency personnel to operate safely and efficiently.
The Morris Township Fire Company would like to thank all assisting agencies for their teamwork and coordination during this complex, multi-incident response. |
