WAREHAM – On Monday, August 23, 2021 at 12:02 p.m. the Wareham Fire Department was alerted to a motor vehicle crash on Route 25 West, near the exit to Route 195. Further information indicated that the crash involved a tractor-trailer on its side.
Fire Chief Matthew Rowley, and Engine One responded immediately from headquarters on Main Street. Captain Colin Kelley along with Firefighters Chris McIntosh, Josh Dessert, and Evan Moretti staffed the engine company. In addition, off-duty career firefighters and on-call members were alerted to respond as well. While en route, the WFD was advised that the truck driver was trapped and would need to be extricated. WFD Rescue One, responded with Captains Chris Smith, Chip Deblois, Jim Brandolini, along with Firefighters Andrew Rowley and Ralph Braley.
For about one hour, both of the crews under the command of Chief Rowley performed a very involved extrication to safely remove the driver to the care of Wareham EMS. Various other hazards associated with the accident were mitigated as well. The victim was taken by helicopter to Rhode Island Hospital for treatment of injuries.
Chief Rowley said, “This was a difficult extrication not only because of the heat and humidity, but by the way the operator was pinned in the vehicle.”
A short while later, at 1:51 p.m. just after the initial crews returned to the station, a second accident was reported on Route 25. This incident involved three vehicles with multiple non-life threating injuries. Three people were transported to Tobey Hospital and one was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital.
WFD members secured hazards on the damaged vehicles and assisted Wareham EMS with patient care.
The crash is under investigation by the Mass State Police truck team.
