State police said a semi-driver has been cited after they failed to move over and crashed with a parked fire engine that was protecting the scene of a separate crash on Interstate 90 near Huntley Friday evening, leaving a firefighter injured.
The Huntley Fire Protection District and Illinois State Police responded around 9:25 p.m. Friday to Interstate 90 eastbound at mile marker 48.25, which is east of Powers Road, in Gilberts for a report of a two-vehicle crash where a van rear-ended a semi-truck.
While troopers and rescue crews were tending to the initial crash, a passing semi-truck crashed with a Huntley fire engine parked in the right lane at around 9:40 p.m.
The fire engine was protecting the scene and had its emergency lights activated, Huntley Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Eric Bentley said.
“Moderate damage occurred to the fire engine and the engine has been placed out of service until repairs can be made,” Bentley said.
One firefighter was injured.
The firefighter was transported to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital where he was treated and released with minor injuries, Bentley said.
The firefighter was attempting to get equipment from the fire engine when he saw the approaching semi-truck and jumped out of the way before impact.
“First responders are aware of the dangers of working on today’s roadways. We are fortunate that our firefighter was aware of the situation and was able to avoid further injuries,” Bentley said.
The semi-driver that reportedly hit the fire engine was not injured.
Illinois State Trooper Shafer McKune said the fire engine had to be towed away.
Troopers issued one citation for Scott’s Law violation to the driver of the semi-truck.
The driver of the van in the initial crash was transported in stable condition to Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin and the semi-driver in the initial crash was not injured.
“We would like to remind the motorists to move over for all vehicles on the side of the road,” Bentley said.
“Scott’s Law, also known as the “Move Over” Law, is a traffic law in Illinois that requires drivers to move over and slow down when approaching emergency vehicles,” Bentley added.