Hernando County, Fla. – On Saturday afternoon, a Hernando County Fire Rescue unit was dispatched to a cardiac arrest emergency when it was involved in a traffic collision at the busy intersection of Cortez Boulevard and Barclay Avenue. The ambulance, traveling with lights and sirens activated, struck an unknown vehicle, prompting an immediate response from local emergency services.
What happened
According to the fire department’s incident report, the fire‑rescue crew was on its way to the emergency when the crash occurred. Four people were transported to a nearby hospital: the two firefighters who were inside the ambulance and two civilian passengers who were also in the vehicle at the time of the impact. All four individuals sustained injuries that were described as non‑life‑threatening.
Investigation underway
The Florida Highway Patrol has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Officials have not yet released details about the other vehicle(s) involved, road conditions, or any potential traffic violations that may have contributed to the crash. The investigation will examine dash‑cam footage, witness statements, and any available traffic‑camera recordings.
Community response
Local residents expressed concern for the firefighters, who are a vital part of the county’s emergency‑response network. “Our first responders put themselves in harm’s way every day to keep us safe,” said longtime Hernando County resident Maria Torres. “We’re grateful they’re okay and hope they recover quickly.”
The fire department reiterated its commitment to public safety and thanked the community for its support. “Our crews are trained to handle emergencies, and we’re relieved that no one was seriously injured,” said Fire Rescue Chief James Whitaker. “We will continue to work closely with the Highway Patrol to understand what happened and to prevent future incidents.”
Safety reminders
Officials used the incident as an opportunity to remind drivers to yield to emergency vehicles, especially at intersections where visibility may be limited. The Florida Highway Patrol advises motorists to pull over to the right-hand side of the road and stop when they hear sirens, and to avoid making sudden lane changes that could endanger both responders and other drivers.
Next steps
The Florida Highway Patrol’s investigation is ongoing, and a full report is expected within the next few weeks. In the meantime, the injured firefighters are receiving medical care and are expected to return to duty once cleared by their physicians. The department will also conduct an internal review of its response protocols to ensure the safety of its personnel during future emergency calls.
Residents who witnessed the crash or have additional information are encouraged to contact the Hernando County Fire Rescue Office or the Florida Highway Patrol’s local office.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
