A 35,000-pound fire engine ended up on its side on Lorton Road early Friday morning. The accident sent all four firefighters to Inova Fairfax Hospital's Trauma Center, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department spokesman.
"At approximately 6:30 a.m., Engine 419 from Lorton Fire Station was responding to an advanced life saving medical call when the driver lost control on a curve near Furnace Road. It tipped onto the passenger side with its wheels at the highway centerline," said Dan Schmidt, departmental public information officer.
"All on board were taken to the hospital for minor injuries and observation. They were all released by mid-morning," Schmidt said.
"There were no other vehicles involved as far as we can verify. There was a report of a car coming in the opposite direction, which might have caused the engine driver to swerve. But that is unsubstantiated at this time. That road can be very winding," Schmidt said. The accident is under investigation by the Reconstruction Unit, Fairfax County Police.
THERE WAS NO fuel spill. However, several gallons of foam carried on the truck did leak onto the ground. It was immediately removed by an environmental clean-up firm, according to Schmidt.
Another engine and crew answered the emergency call with no adverse consequences to the caller, Schmidt said. The engine has been replaced by reserve equipment that is maintained throughout the county for emergency purposes.
The damaged engine will be returned to the manufacturer for extensive inspection and repairs.
"Due to the weight of these vehicles they have to carefully inspect the frame and chassis for any damage. It will also require repairs to the body," Schmidt said.
There was no estimate as to the cost of the repairs or the time it would be out of service.