(July 15, 2005)
At approximately 1850 hours, Engine Company 1, Medic 13, and Rescue Squad 13 were dispatched for an auto accident with entrapment at the intersection of Route 15 (James Monroe Highway) and Gap Road. Engine 1, Chief 1, and 2 medics from Co 13 responded initially. As units approached the scene, additional reports came into the dispatch center advising of a head-on collision with possible fire in one of the two vehicles involved.
As the first Co. 1 units arrived, Wagon 1 and Tanker 1 began to respond. Chief 1 was now on the scene with command. He asked for additional resources, to include the 2nd due squad, an additional engine, and two helicopters. Wagon 1's crew, with Asst. Chief Paul Earley onboard, diverted to Station 13 to staff Squad 13. Wagon 7 went to Oatlands Plantation to set up the landing zone for multiple helicopters (MedStar 3 and Fairfax 1).
At the scene, there were 3 ALS patients and one DOA. Bystanders and witnesses had begun efforts to free the victims from the vehicles prior to the arrival of responding units. Crews from Co. 1, Co. 13, Co. 17, and Co. 7 all worked together to remove patients from the vehicles. Waiting medic units transported the victims to the landing zone to await transport to trauma centers.
One patient went into cardiac arrest before reaching the LZ and was transported to Loudoun Hospital-Cornwall. Sadly, this patient did not survive. The two other patients were transported by air to area trauma facilities. Their conditions are unknown at this time.
During the operation, Engine 1's crew applied a foam blanket to the vehicles and the surrounding area due to leaking gasoline and other fluids from the vehicles. Route 15 was closed for almost 3 hours to facilitate rescue operations and the Virginia State Police's investigation. Company 1 units were back in service by 2201 hours. No injuries to rescuers occurred.
Pictures by Capt. Ian Buchanan, Co. 1 (thanks to Chief 1 for bringing his camera!!)
Engine 1 was first on the scene, followed by Tanker 1 and Squad 13 (staffed by Co. 1)
Crews take a break and hydrate as Virginia State Police investigate the accident.
Both vehicles ended up facing north, though the accident was head-on.
Chief 1 (Marty Mantell) had command of the incident.
The front end of this Chevrolet absorbed quite an impact. Unfortunately, both occupants perished.
View of the scene looking north.
Not much left of this Ford Ranger after the roof was removed during the extrication.
Foam was applied by Engine 1 due to leaking fuel.
Virginia State Police have their work cut out for them determining what happened in this incident.
View of both vehicles facing north.
Another view of the scene.
PFF Michelle Crouse applies a foam blanket to the Ford Ranger prior to towing.