A Highland volunteer firefighter sustained minor injuries in a vehicle crash while rushing to support the efforts at a commercial structure fire in Portland. The accident occurred on Wednesday afternoon just before 4:30 p.m., when Engine 103, en route to the scene, was involved in a single-vehicle incident near the intersection of Highway 259 and Highway 31 West, WKRN reported.
As per details from the Highland Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD), the firefighter was alone in Engine 103 when it departed from the roadway, resulting in the fire truck overturning and causing severe damage to both the vehicle and a nearby retaining wall, according to a report by FOX 17. In the aftermath, the firefighter was transported to Portland Medical Center for an evaluation of the injuries sustained.
The Highland Volunteer Fire Department had dispatched Tanker 101 and Engine 103, which is the City of Mitchellville’s engine, to assist at the fire, which was located on Highway 31 West. According to initial reports, the responders quickly brought the commercial fire under control, aided by the company's fire suppression system. Additional resources from Robertson County were called but were later canceled as they were no longer needed, Smokey Barn News revealed.
No other injuries or vehicular damage have been reported from the incident. "Aside from fighting fires, responding to emergencies is the most dangerous part of their job," fire officials acknowledged, expressing relief that the injuries were not serious, FOX 17 included. The Portland Police Department is leading the crash investigation, further details of which have yet to be disclosed. The HVFD encourages anyone with photos or information about the crash to contact their tip line.
