Freak Accident Closes Firehouse

Pennsylvania - Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayres said two emergency vehicles a pumper and a medic unit are likely totaled after a freak accident on Saturday that injured three firefighters and set the vehicles ablaze inside a now-boarded-up West Oak Lane firehouse.

Since the incident, firefighters assigned to Engine 73 and Medic Unit 33 have operated out of a nearby firehouse at 12th and Oak Lane and responded to emergencies by using reserve vehicles, said Executive Fire Chief Daniel Williams.

Of three injured firefighters taken to Einstein Medical Center on Saturday, two were cleared to return to work after being treated for smoke inhalation.

A third, who was struck by the pumper and suffered injuries to his leg, was released from the hospital but is expected to take longer to recover.