A Columbus firetruck, responding to a call on the Ohio State campus yesterday, crashed and flipped over in Patrick J’s Bar and Grille.
Four crew members were in the firetruck when it crashed into the bar located at the corner of Arcadia and High Street. The firefighter in the tiller bucket was in serious condition as of last night, and was taken to Riverside Methodist Hospital. The other three were taken to the Ohio State University Medical Center, said Battalion Chief Three Mark Devine.
Four or five people inside the bar were taken to the hospital. One person was in serious condition. The others sustained minor injuries, Devine said.
The cause of the accident is still under investigation.
Sgt. Earl Smith, spokesman for the Columbus Division of Police, said, “The cause is unknown, it’s too early to tell.”
Smith also said the Columbus Police Accident Investigation Unit was on hand at the site to figure out what happened.
“The concern right now is getting the area cleaned up. It is an immediate safety risk,” Smith said. Police were concerned about the diesel fuel, and any gases from inside the bar that may be leaking out, he said.
Luke Russell, a witness at the scene, said he and a friend were stopped at the light, going south on High Street when they heard the sirens.
The firetruck came around the corner at a high speed, hitting the corner and flipping out of control into the north side of the bar, Russell said.
The firetruck involved in the accident was Ladder 13 of the Columbus Fire Department, Devine said.
This truck was an extra ladder kept on reserve for when other firetrucks are in for repairs. The two trucks were switched yesterday morning.
Devine said the trucks are inspected before they are used.
