GREENVILLE – The Ohio State Highway Patrol is investigating a two-vehicle accident that took place Sunday evening involving a semi-tractor and tanker and an ambulance responding to a 9-1-1 emergency call. At approximately 3:58 p.m., emergency personnel from the Greenville Fire Department, Greenville Township Rescue and officers from the Greenville Police Department responded along with troopers from the Ohio State Highway Patrol to the intersection of Ohio and Martin Streets in Greenville.
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, a preliminary investigation into the incident revealed a Ford E450 ambulance, owned and operated by Greenville Township Rescue, was northbound on Ohio Street and was involved in an incident while entering the intersection with a white Ford LTL9000 semi-tractor and tanker trailer traveling east on Martin Street (U.S. Route 36 East). The ambulance struck the rear wheels of the semi-tractor also making contact with the tanker trailer causing it to jackknife alongside the roadway. The semi-tractor and tanker trailer, which was empty at the time of the crash, sustained heavy front-end damage as well as damage to the tanker trailer. The Greenville Township ambulance suffered heavy front end damage leaving the vehicle inoperable.
The three-person crew of the ambulance was examined on the scene by Greenville Township Rescue prior to refusing any further treatment and transport to a medical facility. The male driver of the semi-tractor and tanker was examined by EMS on the scene and found to be uninjured in the crash.
According to Steve Wenning, administrative chief at Greenville Township Emergency Services, the ambulance involved in the accident was a backup unit and should in no way affect the level of service the department is able to provide to the City of Greenville and Greenville Township. Chief Wenning added, “We will continue to deliver the same level of care everyone is accustomed to with the three remaining ambulances the department has as well as the additional equipment we have at our disposal.”
The incident will remain under investigation by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
