O.C. Chief Discusses Injuries to Firefighters in Rollover Crash

Officials have provided an update regarding the eight firefighters injured in a rollover accident on an Orange County freeway last Thursday evening.

Orange County Fire Authority Chief Brian Fennessy shared details during a morning news conference, stating, “We’ve got a tough road ahead. Many of the injured are going to be hospitalized for a while.”

Out of the eight injured firefighters, six were transported to local trauma centers, and all are currently hospitalized, with conditions ranging from stable to critical. The two remaining crew members were released from an Irvine hospital the same night of the incident.

Dr. Humberto Sauri from Orange County Global Medical Center spoke about the two firefighters brought to their facility in critical condition. He stated, “They both remain in the ICU this morning. One I would say is critical but stable. The other remains quite critical still.”

The accident occurred on the 241 toll road near SR-133 in Irvine. It was reported that the fire truck swerved to avoid a ladder that was in the roadway shortly before 7 p.m. This abrupt maneuver caused the vehicle to hit a guardrail and overturn, resulting in six firefighters suffering critical injuries and two others experiencing minor injuries.

“We ask that you pray for our firefighters and their families,” Fennessy implored following the accident. “All the families have been notified. This is the beginning of a long road for many of those firefighters and our fire departments.”

The fire truck involved belonged to the Orange County Fire Authority’s Santiago Hand Crew, which is known for facing some of the toughest challenges in firefighting.

On Friday, Fennessy emphasized the demanding nature of this crew’s work, stating, “For anybody that knows anything about firefighting operations, being a member of a hand crew is not probably, it is, the most challenging assignment that anybody can be assigned to.”

The group of firefighters was returning home after responding to the ongoing Airport Fire in Trabuco Canyon when the accident occurred. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is actively investigating the incident. A spokesman from the CHP mentioned, “We did bring out our most trained investigators to come out and make sure the scene was documented correctly, and we’re going to do our best to make sure it’s a thorough investigation.”

No other vehicles were reported to be involved in the crash, which has raised various concerns within the firefighting community as they rally support for the injured and their families. The department is focused on providing the necessary aid and rallying community support during this challenging time.

Firefighters are often called upon to respond to life-threatening situations, and the support they receive from their families, peers, and the public is crucial during their recovery. Community members have expressed their concern for the injured personnel, sharing messages of encouragement and hope for swift recoveries. The incident underscores the inherent dangers that firefighters face every day, further highlighting the bravery and dedication that these individuals bring to their profession.

As the investigation unfolds, both the families impacted and the department remain focused on the health and recovery of the injured firefighters. With a lengthy healing process expected ahead, the community continues to hope for positive news regarding their condition and eventual return to duty.

Source: Nexstar Media, Inc.