UPDATED: Philly firefighters shocked after ladder hits power line
Two Philadelphia firefighters are reported in stable condition after a ground ladder hit power lines at a house fire this (Monday) morning.
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The firefighters were pulling a metal ladder away from the roof when it hit a power line, said Sawyer.
“His body just stiffened and he just fell right back.” witness Rodney Whetstone.told NBC10.
Both were taken to Temple University Hospital in stable conditions. One of the injured is expected to be released late Monday while the other will stay overnight for observation, Sawyer said.
Fire officials say a 14-year veteran suffered 3rd degree burns to his feet when the ladder he was helping to lower, came in contact with the wires. According to witnesses, flames were shooting from his feet for at least 10 seconds.
“The firefighter his arms fell to the side, his whole body got stiff, and he just fell right to the ground,” said one witness.
He was bringing down the 35-foot ladder with a 9-year-veteran who was also injured. Both had just extinguished the small fire. Witnesses say one of the firefighters landed on a mattress below.
“Very frightening close call. I talked to both members and they said exactly the same thing,” said Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer.
Sawyer says while firefighters always use caution around wires the, the crew from Engine 45 Ladder 14 only had 5 feet of clearance to work with.
