Four Houston Firefighters Hospitalized After Semi-Truck Crashes Into Fire Engine

Four firefighters with the Houston Fire Department were hospitalized early Tuesday after a semi‑truck crashed into their fire engine on the North Freeway in Houston. The collision happened while crews were responding to an earlier incident, according to officials.

Firefighters Injured While Responding to Overnight Call

HFD crews were working at the scene of a vehicle fire along I‑45 North when a semi‑truck lost control and struck the parked fire engine. The crash occurred during the overnight hours, when visibility was lower and traffic conditions were changing quickly.

The impact injured four firefighters who were near the truck or inside the engine. First responders transported all four to a nearby hospital. Authorities said their injuries were serious but not believed to be life-threatening.

Houston police officers closed several lanes of the freeway while investigators documented the scene and crews removed debris. Traffic delays stretched for miles as the morning commute began.

Why It Matters for Houston

Traffic incidents involving emergency vehicles remain a major safety concern across Houston. First responders often work in high‑risk roadway environments, especially along busy freeways like I‑45. This crash highlights the challenges they face and underscores the ongoing need for drivers to slow down and move over when emergency crews are present.

The incident may also disrupt fire department staffing for the week, forcing temporary adjustments in coverage while the injured firefighters recover.

What’s Next

Investigators are working to determine what caused the semi‑truck to hit the fire engine. Factors under review include speed, driver fatigue, and roadway conditions at the time of the crash.

HFD officials have not released the names of the injured firefighters but plan to provide updates on their recovery. The department also reminded drivers to follow Texas' "Move Over/Slow Down" law, which requires drivers to shift lanes or reduce speed when passing emergency vehicles.

This article is a summary of reporting by Houston Public Media. Read the full story here.