JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Audio communication between a fire truck that crashed onto its side and dispatch paint a picture of an urgent plea for help from the crew of Squad 4.
The Jacksonville Fire and Rescue crew was responding to a house fire on Morgana Court fire, off Rogero Road, about 11:30 a.m. Friday before the crash. Three firefighters were taken to the hospital. The driver is recovering at the training academy. No citations or charges were issued form the sheriff's office, but JFRD spokesperson Tom Francis said the internal investigation is ongoing.
AUDIO: JFRD Radio Calls
According to a crash report, Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Engine 4 was on its way to a fire when it lost traction while merging from the Arlington Expressway onto the service road near Arlington River Drive. The report then illustrates how the engine crossed the median, overturned, and slid into a utility pole. No other vehicles were involved.
Some of the fire crews were diverted to the crash instead of the house fire.
The driver and two passengers were taken to the hospital, treated and released. All but the driver are back at work.
The engine involved in the crash was a newer vehicle that transports equipment and lifesaving gear to accidents and fires. Police initially estimated damages at $250,000, but JFRD says the fire engine is still being processed and have not yet released the final cost for repairs.
IMAGES: Fire engine flips in crash
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 knocked down in the crash. About 700 customers at a nearby apartment complex lost power because of the damaged pole.
All eastbound lanes of the Arlington Expressway Service Road at Arlington River Drive were closed for about two hours.