Fatal MVA Passenger Sedan Vs Tractor Trailer

 
By Asst. Chief Danny Beauvais
May 12, 2014
 

@ 07:45 Shepherds was alerted to assist Troutman Fire & Rescue with a MVA reported passenger sedan into the back of a tractor trailer at a high rate of speed on I-77 at the southbound rest area. Chief 100, Troutman Engine 1, Rescue 10, Shepherds Rescue 5 & Mooresville Engine 5 were all responding. Iredell Rescue 1188 (R.Leal) checked on scene and advised ECOM & responding units of one confirmed pin-in with the possiblity of one (F) Frank in the vehicle. Chief 100 (A.Church) & Engine 1 arrived on location established command and began investigation & sizing up the situation. Command came back on the air advising confirmed fatality and to cancel any further to the scene with the exception of Rescue 5 & Engine 5. Upon arrival of Shepherds & Mooresville personnel stood fast until ME (Medical Examiner) & NCSHP personnel gave the ok to begin extrication. Personnel were faced with a passenger sedan crossover that was approx 65% underneath the rear of a tractor trailer. In order to free the vehicle personnel on scene utilized various tools from all apparatus on location such as cribbing: 4x4's, 2x4's, 6x6's, cutters, spreaders, e-draulics & bottle jacks. Troutman personnel led by OIC (W.Morris) crawled underneath the trailer portion and began lifting the trailer utilizing bottle jacks while crews from Shepherds (Chief 515 & S.Webster) & additional Troutman personnel cribbed every time the trailer went up. Mooresville Engine 5 personnel led by OIC (Thompson) were attempting to remove the roof of the vehicle using hydraulic tools. Once the roof was removed the on-scene wrecker company hooked up to the vehicle and slowly pulled same out from underneath the trailer. The pt free radio transmission was given at 10:08 and personnel assisted Cross Carolina with victim removal. All units were assignment complete and back in normal service within 3 hours. Great job by all agencies involved and we would like to express our sympathy to the families involved.

 
Units: TFD: E1, R-10 & Chief 100 SVFD: R5
 
Mutual Aid: MFD: E5