WATERTOWN — A Watertown fire truck was involved in an accident Tuesday morning after the driver suffered a sudden medical emergency and the apparatus struck two utility poles in front of Samaritan Medical Center on Washington Street.
The other firefighter on the board immediately attempted to assist and revive the driver, who was unconscious, Town of Watertown Fire Department officials said in a news release. The fire truck stopped after hitting two utility poles, fire officials said.
As of mid-afternoon, Samaritan’s ER was still evaluating the driver, who has not been identified, Fire Chief Joe Simpson said.
At about 9:30 a.m., the fire truck was returning to the fire station on Brookside Drive. Fire officials said the accident occurred when the truck was being dispatched for an alarm activation at the Salmon Run Mall. Both firefighters were properly secured with seatbelts.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and provided medical assistance to the injured firefighters. The second unidentified firefighter was evaluated at the scene and released.
Investigators are still examining the driver’s medical emergency and the apparatus accident.
One pole was sheared off completely, and a second was hit at the corner of Haley and Washington streets. The first pole struck was near the corner of Bowers Avenue, and it was hanging from its wires above Washington Street.
National Grid spokesman Jared Paventi said 13 customers lost power in the crash and that it would take several hours before the scene was safe and the utility poles and lines were repaired. He expected crews to finish work and restore power by 10 p.m. Tuesday.
Former City Councilman Cliff G. Olney III was at home when the crash happened in front of his Washington Street home. He planned to stay at a family member’s house until the power was back.
“I never heard a thing,” Olney said. “I didn’t know it happened.”
The Town of Watertown Fire Department officials thank the responding agencies, Watertown City Fire and Police and Guilfoyle ambulance personnel, for their prompt assistance.
They ask the public to keep the affected firefighters, their families, and the department’s members in their thoughts during this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.