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| LaShae Johnson |
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| LaShae Johnson |
AKRON, Ohio -- Two people, including a 16-year-old girl, died Friday after an SUV ran a red light and crashed into an Akron fire truck, police said.
Eight people, including three firefighters, were injured in the crash that happened at 3:45 p.m. on Rhodes Avenue at West Exchange Street, police said.
The three firefighters suffered minor injuries, a police spokesman said.
The 16-year-old girl and the second person, whose age and gender have not been released, suffered fatal injuries in the crash, police said. The Summit County Medical Examiner's Office will release the identities of the two people who were killed once their families have been notified.
Witnesses said a fire truck was driving on Rhodes Avenue when an SUV ran a red light on West Exchange Street, police said. The SUV struck the fire truck before it crashed into a utility pole, police said. However, it appears that the fire truck has a front end damage, while the SUV has a side damage. It looks that the fire engine T-boned the SUV. This is what the dead girls' family alleges.
The fire truck was in service but not responding to an emergency at the time, police said.
No other details were immediately available.
Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Fire Chief Clarence Tucker said the crash was "tragic" and an investigation was launched to determine the cause of the fatal collision in a joint statement issued Friday afternoon. Read the statement below:
"We are deeply saddened by this truly tragic incident. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims and all individuals involved, including the three members of our Fire Department.
The City is conducting a full investigation into the events surrounding this accident and will provide additional information to the public as it is known. We encourage residents to await accurate information from the authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, and to join us in lifting up those affected in their thoughts and prayers." The Akron Police Department's Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is on scene to complete
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2 people were killed and six others injured after an Akron (Ohio) engine company collided with an SUV on Friday afternoon. One of those who died was a 16-year-old girl.
Three of those hurt in the crash were Akron firefighters, but sustained minor injuries.
The fire apparatus was heading to a training detail and not responding to an emergency call when the SUV went through a red light and proceeded to strike the rig.
Our condolences to all and our thoughts to the Firefighters involved.
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AKRON - Two teens who died after their SUV collided with an Akron fire truck have been identified.
LaShae Johnson, a 16-year-old junior at Akron East High School, and Briyana Hayes, a 15-year-old sophomore at Buchtel High School, were killed in the crash on Rhodes and Exchange Friday Afternoon, according to Akron Public Schools. A GoFundMe account has been set up in LaShae's name.
Six others were injured in the accident. Three of those hurt were Akron firefighters, but they apparently only sustained minor injuries.
Investigators say the fire engine was heading to a training exercise and not responding to an emergency call when the crash occurred.
Akron Police Chief Dan Zampelli says that according to witnesses, the SUV went through a red light and proceeded to strike the fire truck.
On Friday evening, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan and Fire Chief Clarence Tucker issued a joint statement:
“We are deeply saddened by this truly tragic incident. Our condolences, thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims and all individuals involved, including the three members of our Fire Department.
The City is conducting a full investigation into the events surrounding this accident and will provide additional information to the public as it is known. We encourage residents to await accurate information from the authorities regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident, and to join us in lifting up those affected in their thoughts and prayers.”