Story - The Meade County Messenger


Vol. 117, No. 27	July 8, 2009

Fire district ends investigation into June 8 tanker accident

By LARRY SEE JR.
Messenger Staff

Six new policies and procedures are being implemented by the Meade County Fire Protection District, following the June 8 tanker accident.

In addition, district members, during a special-called June 29 meeting, agreed to reinforce three existing policies presently in place. Trustee Bruno Ilario was absent.

The accident resulted in six firefighters being airlifted to University of Louisville Hospital. All were released either that evening or the next day and have returned to their jobs.

Fire Chief Larry Naser, in a written report to the board also co-signed by Deputy Chief Steve Slinger and assistant chiefs Terry Carter and Mike Curl, recommended the six policies. Central Hardin Fire Chief Everette Roberts assisted in the report preparation.

The report also identified several injury mitigating factors leading to the incident.

Accident investigation results

The report indicated five items were determined as injury mitigating factors. They included:
• The cab doors remained closed, keeping the occupants inside.
• Seat belts were used.
• Bunker pants and coats were used, protecting the upper and lower extremities.
• Helmets absorbed the impact.
• Posted speed limits were followed.

“During the review, the Kentucky State Police accident report was reviewed by all members and the photos of the accident scene were examined,” MCFPD Fire Chief Larry Naser wrote. “Based on the available information from the police report, photos and accounts of the firefighters on the crew of engine 42 at the time of the accident, the following contributing factors were identified.”
• The inertia of Engine 42 as it came out of the curve on Brandenburg Road was in a straight line toward the bank. This inertia was carrying the vehicle.
• Driver familiarity with the unit was a factor.
• A potential vehicle that stopped in the travel lane in front of the engine, requiring an evasive action.
• A possible variation of the road curve due to construction modification.
• This incident was an accident.

New policies

• Require all fire district and personally-operated vehicles to use the left lane of any multi-lane highway when responding with lights and sirens.
• Implement an apparatus and resource staging policy to reduce on-scene clutter and congestion. This will be presented to the Meade County Fire Chief’s Association for implementation countywide.
• Implement an apparatus and manpower lap-in policy to bring resources into empty fire stations when their resources are depleted or unavailable and district coverage is exposed. This will be presented to the fire chief’s association for county-wide implementation.
• Modify the driver’s training program to include participation in a yearly insurance-based program and also to incorporate the state technical college driving simulator.
• Modify the apparatus driver’s policy to include the following: “Any apparatus operator involved in any motor vehicle accident on the highway or roadway shall be placed on administrative leave from driving district apparatus until that operator has completed a remedial driver-operator program and is released by a training officer and chief to return to regular driving duty.”
• Review insurance values for all vehicles and increase when necessary.

Reinforced policies

• Seat belts should be used on all vehicles while in motion. Naser said this is district policy and state law.
• Dressing in full gear shall be stressed when responding to alarms.
• Due regard for using the roadway shall continue to be stressed.

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