Poor conditions led to fire engine crash in Onehouse

A fire engine overturned on Lower Road in Onehouse after hitting a patch of ice on the way to an accident

The crew from Stowmarket were on their way to free passengers trapped in their vehicles after a collision in Stowmarket Road, Shelland, at about 9am on January 29 when the fire engine they were in overturned in Onehouse.The investigation following the crash, carried out by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service in conjunction with in-house specialists and trade union representatives, concluded that, while the driving of emergency vehicles responding to any incident is a high-risk activity, it is prepared and trained for in controlled conditions by suitably-qualified instructors and maintained and refreshed in line with current guidance and standards. It added: “On the day of the accident the road conditions changed from clear and dry in the Stowmarket area to wet and freezing in the Lower Road, Shelland, area.

“The weather conditions, coupled with other factors such as residual water and icy road conditions, all contributed to the vehicle losing control and eventually ending up on its side injuring a number of the crew.

“None of the injuries were life threatening and all affected crew members were back at work and protecting the local community shortly after the accident had happened.”

Wil Tel, deputy district commander of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The investigation concluded that this was an unfortunate accident that happened due to particular and extreme condition. It would have been difficult to prevent.

“Our investigation team took an holistic approach to emergency driving as a whole; and the outcomes of the investigation will be utilised to make continued improvements to ensure the safety of the Suffolk residents and members of Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service.”