A tragic incident unfolded in West Sacramento when a fire truck, responding to a brush fire, drove over two people, leading to one fatality and leaving another person injured. As reported by KCRA, the event occurred around 11 a.m. along the railroad tracks in the 500 block of Jefferson Boulevard. Firefighters, assisted by a "spotter," were navigating through a debris-ridden area when their brush truck moved over a carpet concealing the two individuals.
The West Sacramento Police Department stated that under the carpet, a male and a female were found. The male subject was pronounced dead at the scene, and the female was transported to UC Davis Medical Center; she is currently in stable condition. Names of the victims are withheld pending notification of next of kin.
In the aftermath, the firefighters involved in the accident have been placed on paid administrative leave according to the city's standard protocols. West Sacramento Fire Chief Steve Binns expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the department's commitment to the welfare of those they're tasked to assist. "We are grieved any time that an emergency response results in a death or injury of someone we are sworn to assist," Binns said, as noted by KCRA. He assured full cooperation with the California Highway Patrol in their investigation to ascertain what transpired.
According to additional coverage by ABC10, the police have initiated a death investigation into the incident. The firefighters, at the scene, were navigating a truck and a brush rig, the latter being particularly designed for wildland firefighting. It was during this operation that the catastrophic event occurred, bringing grief and questions to the community they serve.
