A firefighter sustained injuries this morning when his fire truck overturned due to icy conditions along Interstate 40 near Statesville, according to the West Iredell Fire Department. The accident occurred near the Old Mountain Road exit as the firefighter was responding to traffic accidents caused by wintry weather that hit the region overnight. Slick roads from the snowfall, which amounted to up to 1.5 inches just north and northwest of Charlotte, precipitated several vehicular incidents in the area.
Responding to the sharp nip of winter's early arrival, Interstate 77 saw multiple wrecks about 20 miles south of where the fire truck incident occurred, resulting in significant traffic delays. In a statement obtained by WBTV, Jerry Houston, the fire department's chief, confirmed that the firefighter was rushed to the hospital for evaluation. The National Weather Service, aware of the treacherous travel conditions, had earlier warned of hazardous roads, advising drivers to maintain vigilance and allow extra time for travel.
News of the overturned fire truck was first reported by WSOC, a Charlotte Observer news partner. Overnight snowfall turned to ice on roads and bridges as temperatures dipped into the 20s. With rush hour beginning and temperatures expected to rise just above freezing by late morning, the National Weather Service's warning, shared by the Charlotte Observer.
As the firefighter recovers, questions remain about the extent of damage to the rescue vehicle. The snow turned a responder into a victim in an instant, as reported by WSOC-TV. Updates on the firefighter's condition and the investigation into the crash are still awaited.
