Vehicle slams into Mansfield fire engine protecting crash scene

Three firefighters were inside the engine when it was struck early in the morning, but all were wearing seat belts and were not hurt.

A scary scene unfolded for Mansfield firefighters early in the morning when a vehicle struck a fire engine positioned to protect crews working at a crash scene.

The collision happened around 1:30 a.m. in the southbound lanes of State Highway 360.

The fire engine was parked as a barrier to shield other firefighters working an earlier crash when a vehicle struck it.

All three firefighters inside the engine were wearing seat belts and were not hurt.

“Roadway incidents are among the most dangerous environments for emergency responders. We understand that lane closures can be frustrating, but they are necessary to protect responders and the people they are helping,” Mansfield Fire Department said in a press release.

After the collision, the crew got out of the engine and popped open the jammed door of the vehicle that hit them. The firefighters then tended to the driver, who was taken to a hospital.

The Mansfield Fire Department is asking drivers to slow down, move over and put away distractions when approaching emergency scenes.