Motorway Incident

Hi,

my first photo post, hope it works.

I took these shots on the way to work last night. I was a passenger at the time and saw blue lights ahead on the motorway. I grabbed the camera and took the following sequence.

A car has pulled over onto the hard shoulder on fire. A Highways Agency Traffic Officer unit is parked behind the car - a Saab, and a fire engine has pulled up ahead of it.

You can see two Highways Agency Traffic Officers standing to the side of the Saab and at least one firefighter standing infront by the open bonnet.

One minute after these shots were taken another car on the motorway lost control and crashed into the Saab, this resulted in the death of one of the firefighters, serious injuries to another and injuries to a Highways Officer and the driver of the crashed car.

Link to News story can be found at http://news.bbc.co.uk …s/bucks/herts/6​761739.stm

You probably have the last picture of the Firefighter while he was alive. It's kind of sad to think about it...

It looks like all vehicles was way to the side, so the second accident feels very unnecessary

You should send these to the police, if you haven't already.

Seems these need to go to the police or the fire department. What is disappointing in these images is that it seems it is policy here in the sates for the large fire truck set back about 50 yds as a buffer to on coming traffic. Had the large firetruck been blocking the lane it would have provided a safety barrier to the officers.

a) the police have the photos
b) the positioning of the firetruck would have made no difference, the car that crashed into them didn't come from directly behind the vehicles on the hard shoulder, it swerved across the motorway from the main lanes, if it had come from behind it would have hit the Highways Agency vehicle which was offering protection with its red flashers

I've got to disagree on the protection.

If a firetruck here in our city had been called to offer assistance he would have parked in the left lane maybe 50' behind the stranded motorist. This would have blocked the shoulder and the left lane. It would have also forced traffic to slow down and use only the right lane. The lane you are taking the pictures from would have been blocked by an angled saftey vehicle. It would have been impossible for a car to collide with the disabled vehicle as it would have it the firetruck.

The fire truck should have been in what is referred to here as the "fend of position" This would have closed the inside lane of the motorway and protected the crew from harm from arsehole motorists more interested in getting home quickly than the safety of others on the Motorway! It is unfair to comment on where exactly the appliance should have been position as we are not aware of what the driver and crew were faced with on approach. However it is safe to say that a life has been lost needlessly through no fault of this Firefighter, thoughts are with his family and crew
Ricky

That's sad. I haven't read the article yet, but was the person that crashed into the Saab drunk or something?

No offense to you (and I really appreciate your photos)... But, my husband is a firefighter and he get soooo mad when people stay in the lane you were in. One should get as far opposite as possible. This goes for when you see a police officer that has someone pulled over to the right- get over in the furthest left and go around. Also, for those who are reading this, I must say this: If you hear a fire engine or amulances, police cars, etc. PLEASE do NOT JUST stop right where you are (I have seen so many people do this!). Get over as far right as possible and then stop...
Thanks for sharing your photos, Cathus These photos are 'real' and so sad.

I think the laws in the UK are a little different to the US. Whilst I agree that my own instinct tells me to move to the furthest lane to give the emergency services more room to work it isn't a requirement here in the UK.

Another scenario is that you're driving and an emergency service vehicle is approaching from behind. It is law to pull over and give way only when it is safe for you do so (ie.. you're not endangering anyone else) and if the vehicle can't get past you safely, then its tough luck for them.., but it isn't your fault.

Final scenario. You're at traffic lights which are red. Vehicle approaches from behind with sirens and lights flashing. The law states that it is up to them to pass you without you moving. If i crossed the line and got caught on a traffic camera that i crossed the line, regardless of the vehicle trying to pass in an emergency situation, I would get fined and points on my license.

Having said all that, I don't agree with this stupid law and I try to assist by moving over, or watching and listening out in all manner of situations whilst driving. I guess the UK government needs to prioritise what is more important, a stupid fine or letting the emergency services do their job without the hassle of them getting caught in traffic.

Back onto the OP pics.. I heard the tragic story of the fireman... didn't think i'd be seeing pictures relating to it here on POTN. Guess it pays to keep a camera with you at all times.

Sad story. Not to take away from the story that goes along, sometimes that is more important than the picture itself, but these pictures make me feel like i'm in a car about to get into an accident.

I have driven in the UK their laws are different from ours. I drive a fire engine here. I would have used my truck as a shield to protect my crew. If that means blocking the lane thats what I do.

Yeah fireman93514 that is what we do here also, I am not sure why this did not happen on this occasion. The point I was raising is we do not know the facts surrounding the case and it is unfair to comment on how things should/should not have been done. This is a tragedy for those involved and their families
Ricky

I also would have placed orders to block the lane, using both 2nd and 3rd due engines. it is pointless to fight a car fire and loose a life of a fellow Brother. if we were to deam that the scene was still not safe, ALL lanes would be closed. PERIOD.

I do like the pictures, I also would complain about the driver being in the lane they are in, however i can't see to the right of the vehicle.

One OT question, in the back of the truck what is the chrome looking pieces up the middle? It appears to be ladders but the "speed" blur makes it difficult to see.

OK enough of that. I like the pictures. Keep up the good work.