Must see video: Vehicle drags supply line, injuring two Pennsylvania firefighters

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Here’s a video you can share with the public to show what can happen when they drive over a fire hose. This occurred on January 9 during a report of an apartment fire at 1300 Park Drive in North Londonderry Township, Pennsylvania. The video is from cameras mounted on Wagon 1 of the Citizens Fire Company of Palmyra, Pennsylvania. The video from the rear facing camera is reversed.

Two firefighters were hurt. The one seen falling in the video suffered relatively minor injuries and is back to full duty.

The driver of Wagon 1 is out of view. He suffered head trauma when knocked to the ground. According to news reports he was unconscious for five minutes. The firefighter is still dealing with his head and back injuries and has not returned to full duty.

The second part of the video is from the dash-cam. It shows the SUV, driven by 21-year-old Karissa Morder, attempting to leave the apartment complex. Moments after driving out of view the supply line is dragged and the firefighters knocked to the ground. From this camera you can hear the radio traffic as help is called for the seriously injured firefighter. More details on the incident from Lebanon Daily News reporter Daniel Walmer.

Here is more information and a message from Chief David R. Dugan II of Citizens Fire Company:

A vehicle tried to leave the parking lot through an exit which was blocked with 5-inch supply hose. The exiting vehicle struck the hose which pulled it tight, causing the hose to strike two firefighters. The firefighter to the rear of the wagon was hit from the front causing him to be thrown forward and suffered a minor shoulder injury. The chauffeur of the wagon, who was at the pump panel (not seen in the video), was struck by the hose from behind causing him to thrown backwards. The chauffeur struck his head on the asphalt and was knocked unconscious. The chauffeur is still recovering from his injuries and the other firefighter is back to full duty. The driver of the vehicle has been charged with the following:

Reckless Endangerment
Accidents Involving Damage to Attended Vehicle or Property
Unauthorized Driving Over Fire Hose

It is imperative that motorists do not drive over fire hose due to the dangers and damage it can cause. What if a vehicle strikes a charged hose line and disrupts or cuts off the water supply to a crew using a hand line inside a burn building?

If a motorist encounters fire hose they should immediately stop and try to find an alternate route. If they are not able to find another route, then the motorist should make contact with a firefighter on the scene before moving their vehicle.

Thanks to Chief Dugan for sharing his message and this video with STATter911.com.