Two fire engines struck by car at Rowan Co. crash scene on I-85

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (WBTV) - Firefighters with a department in Rowan County are pleading with drivers to slow down and move over when they approach an accident scene on the road.

The plea comes after a car ran into two fire trucks on Interstate 85 on Monday.

“Always when we park out vehicles we park them blocking so our personnel do not get hit,” said Chief Mike Zimmerman. “This was the first truck you come to…we heard a noise, heard a loud boom, saw a car sliding to China Grove’s engine, ended up touching it.”

The Bostian Heights Fire Department is one of Rowan County’s busiest, running on more than 130 calls in a typical month. Because of its proximity to I-85, the department responds frequently to traffic accidents on the interstate in the southern part of the county.

According to a post on the department’s social media page, one of the department’s vehicles was struck by a car.

“On May 15, 2023, Bostian Heights Fire Department, China Grove Fire, and a local towing company were working to clear a traffic crash involving a passenger car and tractor-trailer on I-85 south bound near mile marker 65,” the post states. “A tanker (Bostian Heights FD) and two engines (Bostian Heights FD / China Grove FD) were stationary in lanes 1 and 2 with all emergency lights activated when a passenger car struck the tanker and came to rest next to one of the engines.”

The car hit a China Grove fire truck but without causing any damage.

“Fortunately, all personnel were in the safety zone in front of the trucks and our old girl (Tanker 414) saved our lives. All fire personnel along with the driver of the passenger car escaped injuries and were able to return home to their loved ones.”

The department reminded drivers that “when you are approaching emergency vehicles, you must reduce your speed and move over. On interstates and highways with multiple lanes, please reduce your speed even if traffic is moving in the other lanes.”

“I’m just thankful we didn’t lose but one and very thankful we didn’t have any injuries or death, that’s the main thing,” Zimmerman added.

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