Eight firefighters returning from the Airport Fire were injured Thursday night in a rollover crash on a freeway in Orange County.
The collision was reported around 6:45 p.m. on the northbound 241 Freeway just north of Portola Parkway in Irvine.
An Orange County Fire Authority truck transporting firefighters swerved attempting to dodge a ladder on the road. The truck hit the guard rail on the toll road and rolled over, according to CHP.
At least 8 firefighters were injured, six of those with major injuries and two of them with minor injuries. The crew was transported to hospitals.
The OCFA handcrew were finishing a 12-hour shift battling the Airport Fire, according got OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fenessy.
“It breaks my heart,” said OCFA Fire Chief Brian Fennessy, adding that he has received messages of support from departments around the country. “We ask that you pray for our firefighters and their families. This is the beginning of a long road for our firefighters and their families.”
OCFA crew’s main duties include performing hazardous fuels reduction projects and wildland fire suppression.
#IRVINEPDPIO – Our partners from CHP are investigating a collision on the 241 Toll Road near SR-133. The NB SR-133 is diverted to exit to Irvine Blvd. The NB 133 on-ramps are closed at Irvine Blvd. Helicopters are in the area assisting. #irvine
— Irvine Police Department (@IrvinePolice) September 20, 2024
Several lanes were closed off prompting a SigAlert on the SR-241 near Tomato Springs Toll Plaza Ts. The 241 Toll Road is closed between Portola Parkway and the 133 Toll Road.
The Airport Fire 23,500-acre Airport Fire in Orange and Riverside counties was 39-percent contained after starting earlier this month.
Source: NBC Los Angeles
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