Station 88, 44 & 351 were dispatched to a reported vehicle accident with 1 trapped W/B on the PA Turnpike at the ramp to I476 around 6:30am. Chief 10 was in the area just as the accident happened and confirmed 1 person trapped in an overturned tri-axle dump truck. The dump truck overturned on the driver’s side pinning both of the driver’s legs on either side of the guard rail and the cab was hanging over a 30ft embankment. All crews on scene worked to stabilize the cab utilizing Paratech Commercial Vehicle Struts, Rescue 88’s front winch and multiple pieces of cribbing. A rope system was setup to safely allow personnel to descend the embankment to check the stability of the cab. After the vehicle was stabilized several rescue action plans were developed and implemented. As part of the rescue action plan Rob’s Towing Heavy Rotator was requested along with Jamie Dougherty from Janeway towing. Station 88, 44 and Janeway Towing train together on heavy vehicle rescues each year. This training enables us to utilize the expertise of tow operators and their equipment if it’s needed. Although this was a challenging incident all personnel on scene worked flawlessly and the driver was freed and turned over to EMS. Special thanks to Chief 10, Jamie Dougherty & Station 43 for handling the Landing Zone.
