Mainstreet Daily News
Gainesville Fire Rescue crews responded to a multi-vehicle collision this morning involving a school bus, downed power lines and one vehicle that was on fire.
At approximately 8:37 am, crews found one vehicle on fire, a power pole broken in half, and one critical patient, all in the middle of a busy roadway. City workers from GFR, GPD, and GRU as well as County School board workers and ambulance crews went to work mitigating the hazards and caring for the injuries.
Incident Commander Jeffery Schuhmacher said the scene was challenging because it involved so many hazards and multiple disciplines.
Assistant Fire Chief Shawn Hillhouse explained that the fire department trains for events such including Mass Casualty Incidents, vehicle fire, and downed power lines. GFR also carries specialized equipment called “hot sticks” and “electrical gloves” that would allow the crews to remove energized electrical lines from a vehicle to rescue occupants. Additionally in the City, a response to a motor vehicle crash requiring extrication always involves a dedicated fire engine in case the vehicles catch fire.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation. There were no children on the bus. One driver was transported in critical condition, and multiple people were evaluated on scene. No safety personnel were injured in the response. Gainesville Fire Rescue would like to remind all drivers to slow down, drive cautiously, and watch for school buses!
Photos courtesy of Gainesville Fire Rescue.
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