Firefighters injured after vehicle loses control at collision scene in Uxbridge

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

UXBRIDGE: Three members of the Uxbridge Fire Department were injured Sunday evening after a vehicle lost control and struck them while they were assisting at the scene of a separate collision.

According to police, on Sunday, November 16th, at approximately 7:40 p.m., emergency crews from North Division and Uxbridge Fire responded to a motor vehicle collision on Wagg Road near Old Highway 47. The initial crash, involving a transport truck and a pick-up truck towing a trailer, is believed to have been caused by hazardous winter road conditions as snow and ice moved into the area.

While firefighters and police were tending to the scene, an SUV travelling in the area lost control, hitting three firefighters and the driver of the transport truck before crashing through a fence and coming to a stop against a tree.

A 42-year-old firefighter suffered critical injuries and was airlifted by Ornge to a Toronto-area trauma centre. As of Monday, officials say he is now listed as critical but stable. A 37-year-old Fire Captain was also transported to a Toronto trauma centre with serious injuries. A 54-year-old Fire Captain was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and has since been released. The transport truck driver also sustained minor injuries and was transported to a nearby hospital. The SUV driver suffered minor injuries as well.

The driver of the SUV remained at the scene and cooperated with police.

Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton said the community narrowly avoided a devastating outcome.

“Tonight, Uxbridge came far too close to a tragedy. I am so extremely grateful we are not adding any new names to our firefighter memorial tonight,” Mayor Barton said. “Thank you to the DRPS, our Uxbridge Fire team, Ornge, Durham EMS, and every responder working in these extremely hazardous conditions.”

The DRPS Collision Investigation Unit attended the scene, closing the roadway for several hours as officers collected evidence and surveyed the area.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has information to contact D/Cst. Hoevenaars of the Collision Investigation Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 5255.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online, and tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.