Three people hit in Huddersfield by fire engine

Jan 12 2009 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority said the engine was on its way to a genuine fire call at Oxford Place.

She added: “We were called to a house fire where an elderly lady was believed to be trapped. It was a genuine emergency call to which we were responding.”

Oxford Place is just around the corner from the accident off Swan Lane and was dealt with by a crew from Elland after the Brighouse fire engine on its was to the same fire was involved in a minor accident.

Firefighters in the engine involved in the accident did all they could to help the injured.

Two investigations into the accident are now under way – one by the police and the other by West Yorkshire Fire And Rescue Service.

A crucial part of the investigation will be CCTV footage from the post office which is understood to have caught what happened.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Craig McIntosh said the firefighters who were in the engine were “very badly shaken up.”

He added: “Our thoughts are with the three casualties and their families. When emergency crews are responding to any kind of life-threatening incident there’s always a risk that something like this can happen.”

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Steve Beckley said: “Our first concern is for the recovery of the three casualties and the wellbeing of their families.

“While our fire appliance drivers are trained to a high standard to minimise risk to other road users when responding to emergencies, regrettably accidents can still happen.

“The members of the fire crew who were involved did everything possible to assist and gave first aid to the casualties at the scene. They are all deeply shaken by what has happened and are receiving our support.”

Click here for a photgallery of the scene as investigators move in.

Police are investigating the accident and want to hear from any witnesses.

Call 0845 6060606 or Kirklees traffic police on 01484 436847.