CRASH ON RT 23 SNAPS TELEPHONE POLE by Julius Marosfalvi, Rescue Captain April 17, 2011
VALLEY FORGE, PA - On the evening of Sunday April 17, 2011, at 9:43PM, Station 68 and an Ambulance from West End Fire Co. were dispatched to respond to the area of Route 23 and Davis Rd for an automobile accident. Engine 68-1, Rescue 68 and Micu 67-1 made the response. Responders quickly received additional information from the dispatcher indicating that a vehicle struck a telephone pole and power lines were down in the roadway. Upon arrival, fire company personnel found one unoccupied vehicle off the roadway, power lines down and a telephone pole snapped in two and suspended in the east bound lane. The driver of the vehicle apparently exited the vehicle under his own power prior to the arrival of emergency personnel. Crews quickly secured the area to prevent anyone from approaching the live power lines. Squad 68-1, Squad 68-2 and Station 68 Fire Police also responded and were directed to close Route 23 between Davis Road and Valley Park Rd.
Once PECO was able to secure the power feeding the downed lines, the Engine, Rescue and Ambulance were able to return to their stations. Station 68 Fire Police however remained on the scene until approx. 12:20AM keeping the road closed until PECO workers were able to clear all the power lines and telephone pole from the road. Twenty two (22) firefighters and fire police personnel from station 68 responded to the emergency call. Fifteen (15) of which were on the scene while seven (7) other firefighters remained in the station in case the company received another emergency call.
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"Protecting Your National Heritage" P.O. Box 62 630 Valley Park Road Valley Forge, PA 19481
