Yonkers Engine 308 Slides Downhill On Ice

[Viper 139]

From Local 628 Yonkers Firefighters Facebook page:

At approximately 7:40 this morning, Engine 308 attempted to respond to a Motor vehicle accident. The crew got the call just as they were installing their tire chains.

They pulled out of their station and attempted to make the left on JFK Drive, when all of a sudden the rig began sliding down the hill. The rig bounced off the curb a couple times and then continued to slide down JFK Drive, backwards. The rig began gaining momentum, and showed no signs of slowing down. The rig w...as headed straight for the bottom of JFK Drive. That's when the crew decided their only option was to bail out. One by one they leaped off the rig, until it was only the driver left. The driver made one last attempt to point the rig towards a fire hydrant, right before he bailed out.

Well his quick thinking saved Engine 308 from a catastrophe. The hydrant, and a fence, were able to slow the rig down and bring it to a stop. Luckily no one was seriously injured, and after the street was salted, the crew was able to drive the rig right out of where it came to a stop. Once the rig was checked by our mechanics, and cleared for service, it went right back in to service. Later on that day it, and it's crew, were first due to a structure fire. Because of their quick response, they were able to keep the fire isolated to the closet that it started in.

Today's icy conditions posed a hazard to not only the citizens of our great city, but also to all the men and women who keep our city safe. We commend them on a job well done today, and everyday!

Photos: https://www.facebook.com/397480786960958/photos/pcb.845027538872945/845022625540103/?type=1&theater

Video: http://d2jp8z70ysemn5.cloudfront.net

[M' Ave 1,466]

Having been there (well, not this serious), sliding while driving a 57,000 lb. rig....I can tell you, it's pretty unnerving. Good thing it turned out well in the end.....that's a bad hill.

[50-65 205]

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Edited January 21, 2015 by 50-65

[BFD1054 1,552]

As M'Ave said, this can be a very scary incident. Quick thinking by the crew, glad they are all ok.

Driving for the DPW, I've had a few "pucker factor" instances myself, it sucks to say the least.

[38ff 250]

Sliding on ice in apparatus is scary. Been there, done that. All were belted in, and the only injury was to my pride.