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3 February 2023
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Fire fighters say faulty brakes caused two Augusta fire trucks to overturn in one week, US
An Augusta Fire Department tender rolled over Saturday, making it the second truck in the department to have a rollover accident in a week. In both cases, the department said ‘locked up’ brakes were the reason for the crash. Saturday, 21 January 2023’s accident happened around 21h30 on Old Waynesboro Road at Neely Road. Tender 12 was responding to a call along with an engine when it went off the left side of the road and overturned. The driver was taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.
First crash involving ladder truck 501
The first wreck occurred on Washington Road, near Exit 199, just before 16h30 on 16 January 2023. A 34-year-old Augusta fire fighter driving Ladder truck 501 was traveling west on Washington Road at the intersection of Interstate 20.
The fire fighter told deputies he was attempting to make a left turn onto the on-ramp when his brakes locked up, according to the incident report. The fire truck struck the curb and overturned on its right side. Deputies found multiple tyre marks indicating braking and slight rotation. Deputies determined the driver was driving too fast for conditions and was at fault for the wreck, according to the report.
Despite deputies noting there was "disabling damage" to the truck, none of the three fire fighters in the truck at the time of the wreck required medical attention, according to the report. The driver was not alcohol or drug tested.
Second crash involving tender truck 12
The second wreck occurred at the intersection of Old Waynesboro and Neely roads at 21h35 on 21 January 2023.
The driver of Augusta Fire Tender 12, a 36-year-old fire fighter, told deputies he was slowing down due the vehicle in front of him when his rear brakes locked up, causing him to veer off the road, overturning the fire truck on the driver's side, according to the incident report.
The driver was transported by Augusta Fire Department MED 4 to Augusta University for evaluation and later released, according to officials.
Again, Richmond County deputies determined the driver was at fault for failure to maintain lane, according to the report. The driver was not alcohol or drug tested.
During the accident, there was a diesel fuel spill. Hazmat and the training chief responded, according to officials.
AFD consulted with Georgia Environmental Protection Agency to develop a remediation plan which is currently underway, according to officials. The leak was contained.
Under investigation
Although fire fighters told Richmond County sheriff's deputies their brakes failed, causing two fire appliances to overturn within the same week, the Augusta Fire Department said the incidents are still under investigation.
Ladder truck 501, an aerial fire appliance, was purchased for $649 500 on 28 February 2002 and was picked up by Augusta Fire Department on 5 June 2002, according to county records.
Officials with the department would not provide information about the amount of damage each vehicle sustained or confirm if the trucks will need to be replaced. They said the city has reserve trucks that can be utilised while damage is assessed. “Augusta Fire Department wants to reassure our community that we remain diligent, prudent and prepared to answer any calls for service," Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden said. "Despite the unfortunate circumstances concerning the recent incidents we have the resources available to continue to provide our citizens with the world-class service they expect and deserve.”
Sources: WRDW News 12, Augusta Chronicle
First crash involving ladder truck 501
The first wreck occurred on Washington Road, near Exit 199, just before 16h30 on 16 January 2023. A 34-year-old Augusta fire fighter driving Ladder truck 501 was traveling west on Washington Road at the intersection of Interstate 20.
The fire fighter told deputies he was attempting to make a left turn onto the on-ramp when his brakes locked up, according to the incident report. The fire truck struck the curb and overturned on its right side. Deputies found multiple tyre marks indicating braking and slight rotation. Deputies determined the driver was driving too fast for conditions and was at fault for the wreck, according to the report.
Despite deputies noting there was "disabling damage" to the truck, none of the three fire fighters in the truck at the time of the wreck required medical attention, according to the report. The driver was not alcohol or drug tested.
Second crash involving tender truck 12
The second wreck occurred at the intersection of Old Waynesboro and Neely roads at 21h35 on 21 January 2023.
The driver of Augusta Fire Tender 12, a 36-year-old fire fighter, told deputies he was slowing down due the vehicle in front of him when his rear brakes locked up, causing him to veer off the road, overturning the fire truck on the driver's side, according to the incident report.
The driver was transported by Augusta Fire Department MED 4 to Augusta University for evaluation and later released, according to officials.
Again, Richmond County deputies determined the driver was at fault for failure to maintain lane, according to the report. The driver was not alcohol or drug tested.
During the accident, there was a diesel fuel spill. Hazmat and the training chief responded, according to officials.
AFD consulted with Georgia Environmental Protection Agency to develop a remediation plan which is currently underway, according to officials. The leak was contained.
Under investigation
Although fire fighters told Richmond County sheriff's deputies their brakes failed, causing two fire appliances to overturn within the same week, the Augusta Fire Department said the incidents are still under investigation.
Ladder truck 501, an aerial fire appliance, was purchased for $649 500 on 28 February 2002 and was picked up by Augusta Fire Department on 5 June 2002, according to county records.
Officials with the department would not provide information about the amount of damage each vehicle sustained or confirm if the trucks will need to be replaced. They said the city has reserve trucks that can be utilised while damage is assessed. “Augusta Fire Department wants to reassure our community that we remain diligent, prudent and prepared to answer any calls for service," Augusta Fire Chief Antonio Burden said. "Despite the unfortunate circumstances concerning the recent incidents we have the resources available to continue to provide our citizens with the world-class service they expect and deserve.”
Sources: WRDW News 12, Augusta Chronicle
