Kokomo Fire Chief Pat O’Neill said Monday he was awaiting additional information before commenting on the Saturday accident that injured four and heavily damaged a city fire truck.
But a Kokomo police accident report issued Monday exonerated the three firefighters involved in the crash.
One of those three men, James Newburn, 55, Kokomo, was in stable condition at Howard Regional Health System Monday.
Lisa C. Kessinger, 40, Kokomo, was listed as the driver of a 2008 Chrysler minivan in the KPD report.
According to the report, Kessinger ran a red light before plowing into the left rear axle of the pumper engine. Monday, Kessinger was listed in fair condition at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis.
Troy Pearson, a witness to the accident, agreed Kessinger ran the light. Person said she didn’t appear to even slow before hitting the engine.
The pumper was westbound on Rainbow Drive when it entered the intersection; Pearson said it appeared to be turning north on LaFountain Street when he caught the minivan approaching from the corner of his eye.
None of the three firefighters were wearing seat belts, according to the KPD report. Pearson said the impact was so violent it raised the fire truck more than a foot in the air, and caused the cowling over the engine and the driver’s cab to come off its moorings.
The cab/engine covering bounced off the driver/passenger compartment before violently snapping back into place. The fire truck was also spun about 180 degrees by the impact.
O’Neill said he suspects the pumper, a 1986 Ford, will be a total loss. The pumper is normally used as a reserve engine whenever a newer engine is at the garage for maintenance, he said.
The crew of the truck is assigned to Station 4, at Lincoln Road and Webster Street. O’Neill said the truck was coming back from a run when the crash occurred.
All three firefighters complained of pain at the scene, but initially, their injuries were thought to be non-incapacitating. Two of the firefighters, Laronda C. Kirby, 41, and Robert P. Eldridge, 43, were treated and released at a local hospital. Newburn has been hospitalized ever since the crash, with non-life threatening injuries.
• Scott Smith is a Kokomo Tribune staff writer. He may be reached at (765) 454-8569 or via e-mail at scott.smith@kokomotribune.com
Local News
Firefighter recovering from crash
Police report faults minivan driver for collision
- Local News
-
-
Delphi retirees continue fight for pensions
A group of then-Delphi Corp. retirees saw a long road ahead of them when they banded in 2009 to keep hold of their full pensions and benefits.
-
Eastern moves ahead on wind turbine
A packed room of remonstrators Tuesday held little sway over the Eastern Howard Schools board, which voted unanimously to move ahead on a $2.75 million wind turbine project.
-
Board: discipline for accused doctor not strict enough
The Medical Licensing Board of Indiana has rejected a proposed resolution to a Russiaville doctor’s disciplinary case, directing the Indiana Attorney General’s Office to propose a more stringent set of requirements.
-
City to end agreement with Novia
City officials said Tuesday they’re planning to switch providers at the city’s employee health-care clinic this spring, ending a year-old relationship with Novia Health Care.
-
Eastern celebrates graduation rate improvement
The latest graduation rates prove all Howard County schools are offering a quality education, a local superintendent said.
That’s how Tracy Caddell, superintendent of the Eastern Howard School Corp., summed up the figures released Tuesday by the Indiana Department of Education.
-
Jail full of females
In late January, cell mates Monica Clark Davis and Christy Miller were awaiting disposition of their respective cases in the Howard County jail.
-
Eastern set for wind turbine meeting
GREENTOWN — Eastern Howard Schools superintendent Tracy Caddell said Monday the school board is considering alternate sites for a proposed wind turbine project, which would build a 287-foot-tall windmill to produce energy for the schools.
-
Chamber cancels cook-off
After an 11-year run, the annual chili cook-off in Kokomo has been canceled for this year.
-
Miami County GOP fails to appoint new trustee
PERU – Miami County commissioners will be forced to appoint a Perry Township trustee after the GOP’s county chairman exceeded the deadline to replace the vacated seat.
-
Students petition to keep daycare at IUK
A group of Indiana University Kokomo students is petitioning the university to reconsider shutting down an on-campus childcare center.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes MN, MO, CO
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
