VILLA RIDGE, MISSOURI — A fire truck will be out of service for at least six months after a tractor-trailer struck the apparatus Sunday afternoon on Interstate 44 in Villa Ridge while firefighters were responding to a separate crash during the weekend winter storm, according to the Boles Fire Protection District.

The department said the crash happened around 12:40 p.m. Sunday on I-44. Firefighters were already on scene for another crash, and the fire truck was positioning to provide advanced warning for approaching motorists when a tractor-trailer hit it.

^{Photo credit: Boles Fire Protection District}

Officials said two firefighters were inside the truck, seated and wearing seat belts at the time of impact. No injuries were reported in the fire truck crash or in the incident to which crews were originally responding, the district said.

The damaged apparatus was identified as a 2022 Pierce Impel Rescue-Pumper. The fire district said the truck sustained heavy damage and is expected to be out of service for at least six months.

“This is another stark reminder of the dangers of our profession,” the department said in a statement, urging drivers to use extreme caution in adverse conditions, increase following distance, and comply with Missouri’s Move Over Law, which requires motorists to change lanes when safe while approaching emergency or MoDOT vehicles with flashing lights.

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