Crash response leads to second crash involving firefighting vehicle in Upton

UPTON, Ky. – An Upton Fire Department truck was struck while protecting the scene of a crash Friday morning along Interstate 65 in Hardin County, according to fire officials.

The crash happened around 10 a.m. near the 79-mile marker on northbound I-65 as firefighters responded to an earlier motor vehicle accident, the department said in a release on Facebook. 

Officials said a fire apparatus had been positioned in a secured blocking position to shield emergency crews and warn approaching drivers about the crash scene when it was rear-ended. The truck was unoccupied at the time.

No firefighters or civilians were injured, according to the department.

Despite the collision involving one of their own vehicles, firefighters continued responding to emergencies throughout the day, handling four additional calls along Interstate 65, the release said.

The department said the incident highlights the dangers first responders face while working on busy highways, pointing to distracted driving and drivers failing to slow down or move over near emergency scenes.

Kentucky’s Move Over law requires motorists to slow down and, when possible, change lanes for emergency vehicles stopped along roadways.

Upton Fire and Rescue urged drivers to remain alert and use caution around emergency scenes to help protect firefighters, EMS crews, law enforcement officers and other motorists.