5 injured when ladder suddenly fails at PR event
The fully extended aerial ladder suddenly retracted 40 feet to a jolting stop
By EMS1 Staff
GREEN VALLEY, Ariz. — Five people, including one firefighter, were injured at a fundraising event when a ladder suddenly retracted 40 feet.
All the victims were in the bucket of the ladder and suffered fractures and bruises to their heels, legs, and arms, according to Green Valley News.
A Green Valley Fire District spokesman said that the 100-foot aerial ladder was fully extended at a 45-degree angle when the top section of the ladder quickly slid back 40 feet to a "jolting stop."
The spokesman said the steel cable that controls the top section of the ladder had snapped, but was unsure if it had snapped before or during the accident, according to the article.
The victims, who were all wearing safety equipment, had won a prize as part of the fundraiser and were given a ride on the ladder.
An investigation has been launched into the incident. A GVFD spokesman said an accident of this nature is "almost unprecedented."
The firefighter and one other victim have been released. The other three remain in the hospital with at least two of them undergoing surgery.
The fire truck was immediately taken out of service.
