NEWS IN WEST SENECA FIRE DISTRICT 2

October 26, 2010

Additional Photos Video - WIVB

Vehicle Strikes Utility Pole Extrication was required to free the passenger of a vehicle that struck a utility pole in the early evening hours of October 26, 2010 in the 3000-block of Clinton Street. The extrication process would prove to be a challenge for firefighters as the vehicle was heavily damaged. 1^ST Assistant Chief, Dan Vaught of Union Fire Company assumed command, as 2^ND Assistant Chief Joe Kazmierski would head up the rescue operations. Vaught, realizing the extrication difficulties, requested Mercy Flight to the scene, however Mercy Flight was grounded due the windy, rainy conditions of that night. The female driver of the vehicle was able to be freed from the wreckage and transported immediately to an area hospital, however, the 16-year of age male passenger was sandwiched inside the vehicle, forcing responders to attempt several approaches to extricating the victim. Vigilant Fire Company was summoned to the scene to assist in the extrication and provide additional rescue tools. A medical unit from the Erie County SMART Team was also dispatched to tend to the males deteriorating condition. A New York State Electric and Gas Company Utility Pole was severed at its base, requiring stabilization by NYSEG crews called to the accident scene, an added hazard to extrication crews prior to the pole being secured. After extrication concluded, the male victim was moved from the vehicle to a Rural Metro Medical Services Unit and transported to an area hospital for evaluation of multiple injuries. Union Firefighters would return to service after over one and a half hour on scene. Video - WIVB CH. 4