Just before the morning rush hour on Wednesday August 3rd, units from the 1st Battalion were alerted for a vehicle accident with rollover on I-70 westbound in the area of the Monocacy River. Reports were of a tractor trailer jackknifed and a dump truck rolled over, on fire, and one trapped in the dump truck.

A few minutes into the call units from New Market were alerted to assist. A159, RE153, C15-1, and D15 responded with 9 volunteers. First arriving units found the dispatch information to be accurate, with the addition of a trauma victim along the water below the bridge. Battalion 1 established command and requested aviation and additional manpower to assist. RS3 and E31 worked to extinguish the fire in the dump truck and extricate that patient.

Boats were also added to the call to assist with possible evacuation of the patient under the bridge. BT15 responded with 4 additional volunteers. The crew from RE153 was tasked with setting up a slope evacuation rope system to haul the patient up in the event of the boat not being able to reach the patient. Boat 15 launched but was met with water that was too shallow and had to turn back. The rope system was used to evacuate the patient.

Crews remained on scene for about two hours. In all, three patients were transported to area hospitals, with two of them being flown via MSP aviation. Good work by all involved.

In addition to the Co. 15 units committed to this call, Engine 152 handled a first responder call at the same time the boat was dispatched. Thanks to our excellent volunteers who are always here to keep our community safe!