Dallas Fire Engine Plunges Off Bridge in Early Morning Horror
In the early hours of July 21, 2024, chaos erupted on Interstate 345 in Dallas. At around 5:50 AM, Dallas Fire Rescue (DFR) raced to a possible structure fire on Swiss Avenue. But disaster struck when Engine 11 hydroplaned on the slick road and careened off the southbound Central Expressway bridge straight onto the DART rail tracks below.
Slippery Roads Blamed for Fire Engine Crash
The early morning rain made the roads treacherous. Engine 11 lost control on the wet surface and plunged from the bridge. Another DFR unit, Engine 18, immediately called a Mayday and requested full Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) support to free the trapped firefighters.
Four Firefighters Injured but Alive
Emergency crews worked quickly to extricate four firefighters from the wreckage. Thankfully, all were rushed to Baylor Dallas Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Luckily, no other vehicles were involved in the dramatic crash.
Major Traffic Chaos as Bridge Cleanup Underway
The crash smashed a large highway sign, blocking all southbound lanes on Interstate 345. Heavy-duty wreckers are on the scene clearing debris and towing away the damaged fire engine. Drivers are urged to expect long delays and find alternative routes while cleanup continues.
Dallas Fire Rescue and local authorities have launched an investigation to uncover the full cause of the accident and prevent future disasters on the rain-slicked roads.
