4 Houston firefighters injured in collision with big rig

In the early hours of Sunday, four firefighters in Houston were hurt when a large 18-wheeler collided with their fire engine while they were managing traffic at a freeway entrance following a car accident, authorities reported. The crash occurred around 2 a.m. in the northern part of the city.

The injured crew members were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Three of them remained hospitalized into Sunday afternoon, officials noted. Details about the condition of the truck driver were not immediately available.

The Houston Fire Department confirmed that the team had been responding to a prior traffic accident on the Eastex Freeway. They were using a pumper engine to block the entrance at Northpark Drive when the truck struck their vehicle. The firefighters sustained injuries of varying severity, though all are expected to recover fully.

Patrick M. "Marty" Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, asked for public support in a social media statement, urging prayers for the injured personnel.

Houston Fire Chief Thomas Muoz emphasized the dangers of managing freeway traffic. "Blocking traffic on the freeway is one of the most dangerous tasks we perform," he said. "We are thankful that every member of Engine 104 is expected to recover. We urge drivers to slow down and move over when emergency crews are on the scene."

Author: Sophia Brooks