4 Houston Firefighters Injured After Fire Engine Hit by 18-Wheeler

Four firefighters with the Houston Fire Department were rushed to the hospital early Friday after an 18-wheeler slammed into their parked fire engine in north Houston. The crash happened while crews were responding to a separate incident along the I-45 North Freeway near West Road.

Firefighters Injured While Assisting at Crash Scene

According to officials, the firefighters were standing near their truck when the 18-wheeler lost control and struck the rear of the engine. The impact sent debris across several lanes and forced emergency crews to request additional support.

All four firefighters were transported to a nearby hospital. Authorities reported that the injuries were serious but not considered life‑threatening. The driver of the 18-wheeler remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators.

Impact on Drivers and Emergency Response in Houston

The collision shut down portions of the freeway for several hours during the morning commute. As a result, traffic backed up for miles while crews cleared the wreckage and assessed damage to the fire engine.

These delays affected commuters heading toward central Houston and nearby industrial corridors. Many businesses reported delayed arrivals from employees stuck in traffic caused by the closure.

Why It Matters for Houston

Crashes involving emergency vehicles raise safety concerns across the region. Houston first responders frequently work along busy highways, and secondary collisions like this one pose significant risks.

The incident also highlights the importance of Texas' Move Over/Slow Down law, which requires drivers to reduce speed or change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles.

• High-speed corridors in north Houston see heavy truck traffic daily.
• Secondary crashes often lead to extended closures and greater strain on first responders.

What’s Next

Investigators are reviewing dashcam footage and statements to determine what caused the 18-wheeler to veer into the fire engine. The Houston Fire Department is also evaluating the condition of the heavily damaged truck.

City leaders may renew calls for drivers to use greater caution near emergency scenes, especially as holiday travel increases traffic volumes.

This article is a summary of reporting by BNO News. Read the full story here.