Mannford, Oklahoma — On Wednesday afternoon, Mannford Fire Chief Bob Evans was involved in a traffic incident on Highway 51 that left him with minor injuries. According to the Mannford Police Department, officers and fire personnel were en route to assist with an earlier crash when a westbound vehicle slammed into the police cruiser.

The impact forced the police vehicle into the fire department’s response unit. Chief Evans, who was standing nearby, quickly stepped out of the way to avoid being struck. Police officials confirmed that his injuries are not serious and that he is expected to make a full recovery.

Details of the Collision

Witnesses reported that the police car was traveling eastward, lights flashing, when the other vehicle, traveling west, failed to yield and collided head‑on with the cruiser. The force of the crash pushed the police vehicle into the fire department’s apparatus, which was positioned behind it. Emergency responders acted swiftly, securing the scene and providing first aid to Chief Evans.

“Our priority was to ensure everyone’s safety and to get Chief Evans the medical attention he needed,” said Police Chief Mark Daniels. “Fortunately, the injuries were minor, and the chief is doing well.”

Community Response

The Mannford community has expressed gratitude for the quick actions of both the police and fire departments. Residents praised the professionalism of first responders and offered well‑wishes for Chief Evans’s speedy recovery on social media platforms.

Mayor Lisa Carter also released a statement, emphasizing the importance of cooperation among emergency services. “Our public‑safety teams work hand‑in‑hand to protect our citizens,” she said. “Chief Evans’s dedication to Mannford is evident, and we are relieved he is on the mend.”

Safety Reminder

The incident serves as a reminder for drivers to exercise caution, especially when emergency vehicles are on the road. State traffic laws require motorists to yield the right‑of‑way to police and fire units responding to emergencies. Failure to do so can result in dangerous collisions, as demonstrated in this case.

Local officials encourage residents to stay alert, obey traffic signals, and give emergency responders the space they need to perform their duties safely.

Next Steps

Chief Evans is expected to return to his duties within the next few days, pending a medical clearance. The fire department will continue its regular operations, and the police department plans to review the incident to identify any additional safety measures that could prevent similar events in the future.

Both agencies remain committed to serving Mannford’s citizens with the highest level of professionalism and care.

Original reporting: KTUL 8 (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.