Engine crashes on way to Arlington fire

Fire truck flips on side, 3 firefighters hurt

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville Fire Rescue engine flipped on its side in a crash Friday morning while responding to a Morgana Court fire in Arlington off Rogero Road.

The crash was reported about 11:30 a.m. at Arlington Expressway and University Boulevard. 

The truck, from Station 4 downtown, was coming down an exit ramp from the expressway and hit a light pole.

No other vehicles were involved, and the cause of the crash is being investigated.

Multiple ambulances were called to the scene, and three firefighters were taken to a hospital in stable condition. They have since been released.

JEA was called to the scene to repair the power line, which was dangling at a precarious angle. About 700 customers at a nearby apartment complex lost power because of the damaged pole.

IMAGES: Fire engine flips in crash

The fire the engine was headed to has been put out, and the state fire marshal has been notified to investigate the fire. Neighbors said the home that caught fire has been empty for some time.

All eastbound lanes of the Arlington Expressway Service Road at Arlington River Drive were closed until the fire truck was turned upright by a crane about 1 p.m.

The engine, which hauls equipment and lifesaving gear to accidents and fires, was a newer squad vehicle valued at about $500,000.

“We will have the manufacturer more than likely brought in to give it a real professional go-over and we'll know much more after that,” JFRD spokesman Tom Francis said.


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