Rescue Alarm 8. At 01:37 hours, Station 8 was dispatched for a "Tractor-Trailer MVC with Wires Down" at the intersection of Route 75 and North Main Street. Captain 8 (Harris) arrived at 01:41 hours to find a tractor-trailer that had driven through the intersection and partially into the woods. Captain 8 advised that he was investigating for injuries and confirmed the power was out in most of Union Bridge and north of town. Alleghany Power was requested immediately for the area-wide power outage and Captain 8 established "Main Street Command".
Upon investigation of injuries, the driver of the truck had self-extricated and was found on the sidewalk with injuries. Paramedic 89 arrived and began treatment. Rescue Squad 8 arrived and began searching for downed power lines, fuel leakage and any other immediate hazards, as well as establishing area lighting. No downed power lines were found and there were no other hazards found at the scene.
Paramedic 89 transported the patient to Carroll Hospital Canter (CHC) Priority 2. With Carroll County Sheriff's Deputy's on the scene and no further hazards, "Main Street Command" was terminated and Rescue Squad 8 cleared the scene.
Witnesses also advised that a line of fire could be seen going across the field, back toward town after the crash occurred. Captain 8 continued to investigate the power issue and found that overhead wires going across a field between Little Pipe Creek and 49 N. Main Street, had twisted together. The information was passed-on to an Alleghany Power Company worker and after separating the wires and resetting power couplings at the "Union Bridge Power Substation", power was restored to the entire area within an hour and a half.
Station 8 units cleared the scene by 02:20 hours, while North Main Street remained partially closed to remove the tractor-trailer until about 05:00 hours.
Rescue Alarm 8. Though the cab ended up in a precarious position, the fuel saddle tanks were not damaged and no fuel leak was found. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Rescue Alarm 8. The driver sustained injuries and was transported to CHC, Priority 2, by Paramedic 89. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Rescue Alarm 8. A tractor-trailer drove through the intersection and ended up in the woods. A power outage occurred for most of the town and all areas north of Union Bridge. Photo: Capt. C. Harris
Rescue Alarm 8. Engineer Arch Jones checking for damage to the fuel saddle tanks. Photo: FF C. Keeney
Rescue Alarm 8. The drivers side fuel saddle tank rests against the ground, but did not leak any diesel fuel. Photo: FF C. Keeney
Rescue Alarm 8. The only damage to the roadway was the sign directing traffic for Route 75. Photo: FF C. Keeney
Rescue Alarm 8. The tractor trailer came to rest on a precarious angle with the front of the truck against a large tree. Photo: FF C. Keeney
Rescue Alarm 8. Traffic was diverted onto Route 75 North and N. Main Street. Main Street coming into and from Union Bridge, remained closed for several hours while the truck and trailer were removed. Photo: FF C. Keeney
