It was a close call for two Barrie firefighters Thursday night as a motor vehicle collision on Highway 400 turned into a quick-thinking decision that may have saved their lives.
Barrie Fire and Emergency Services responded to a collision last night at approximately 10:50 p.m. at Mapleview Drive and Highway 400 in the northbound lanes.
While crews were tending to the first patient, another vehicle lost control on the icy highway and slammed into the fire truck on the scene.
Two firefighters quickly jumped the closest guardrail and rolled down the embankment to avoid being hit.
Deputy Chief Gord Beilby told BarrieToday that one of the responders was treated for a minor injury, but the incident could have been far worse if not deadly.
“Our guys were in the northbound lanes tending to the original collision when another vehicle started towards the area they were in,” said Beilby. “The crew members jumped the guardrail and slid down the hill on the side of the highway.
"It was an extremely close call and luckily they’ll be OK with one of them having a sprained ankle and maybe missing a shift.”
Beilby said road conditions were bad last night and the incident highlighted how dangerous the job of a first responder can be.
“It was unfortunate and we’re glad everyone is essentially OK,” he said. “Answering the call for any scene can be dangerous and this definitely highlights that fact.
"Our second truck hadn’t arrived yet, but as you can see, this is why we always have a second truck on scene, in order to block the path to our crew and ensure their safety," Beilby added. "I urge everyone to be aware of bad conditions and be safe while driving in them.”
OPP Const. Rob Knight said there were no charges laid.
