Toledo Fire and Rescue units responded to a mutual aid request for a multi-vehicle pile-up on the Ohio Turnpike. TFRD units were assigned the operation to extricate 3 occupants of a passenger vehicle that were pinned on all four sides and the top of the vehicle by tractor trailers. The team worked for 3 hrs in sub-zero temperatures, high winds and darkness to rescue two passengers and recover a third. We utilized Paratech HydraFusion 16’s, ALB’s and Struts to lift a loaded van type semi trailer that the passenger vehicle under road when it was struck from behind by another OTR tractor trailer. This allowed us to gain crucial access to the front of the passenger compartment. A three pronged extrication plan was conducted simultaneously to free all of the occupants. The success of this operations was in large part due to the capabilities this Paratech equipment afforded.

Individuals Involved:

Rescue Company 7
Engine Company 7
Special Operations Unit 612
Special Operations Unit 614
Special Operations Chief 116
Chief of Operations 114
Safety Officer Unit 134