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I-5 Accident Injures First Responders: Please Drive Slowly in Emergency Scenes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLEASE

DATE:                        July 5th, 2021

CONTACT:                Chris Chambers, Division Chief, Ashland Fire & Rescue
541-890-8816 or chris.chambers@ashland.or.us

I-5 Accident Injures First Responders: Please Drive Slowly in Emergency Scenes

At approximately 10:45pm on July 4^th, two first responders were struck by a vehicle while working on an emergency scene just south of exit 27 on I-5.

During a response to a vehicle rollover with two trapped patients, a car traveling at a high rate of speed into the emergency zone slowed quickly and was hit from behind by another vehicle. The collision sent a car into the emergency scene, striking two first responders, including an Ashland Fire & Rescue Battalion Chief, and one of the initial patients who was being escorted to an ambulance. Ashland’s Battalion Chief was taken to the hospital and released later that night with minor injuries, along with the paramedic who was struck. There were no fatalities associated with the whole incident.

The initial response included Mercy Flights, Jackson County Fire District 5, Medford Fire-Rescue, Oregon State Police, and Oregon Department of Transportation. Support was also brought in from Phoenix Police to close the interstate completely after the second collision.

“What could have been a tragedy was miraculously avoided last night. I want to make sure everyone out there knows how important it is to slow down for emergency workers on roadways, particularly at night,” said Ashland Fire Chief Ralph Sartain.