Investigation underway into double fire engine crash near Culloden
Five firemen were injured yesterday after two appliances crashed off a Highland road on their way to another road traffic accident.
Five firemen were injured yesterday after two appliances crashed off a Highland road on their way to another road traffic accident.
The incident happened at 7.16am on Saturday morning, 13 minutes after a saloon car apparently skidded off the road at Sunnyside, near Culloden Battlefield, three miles from Inverness.
The woman driver of a Fiat sustained a leg injury and is also being treated in Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.
The emergency services were alerted and two fire appliances and an ambulance were dispatched to the scene.
But as the Fire and rescue personnel approached the scene along a wood-fringed road, both skidded, again apparently on black ice, and veered into a field near Newlands of Culloden, a short distance from where the initial accident took place.
Both machines ended up on their side with two firemen trapped inside. As a result more ambulances were alerted and rushed to the location.
Six firemen managed to get out and turned their attention to their colleagues were lying injured inside the wreckage.
A spokesman said: "They quickly released their colleagues using the equipment they carry on their appliances. In total five crewmen sustained injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.
"We don't exactly what happened but a full investigation is underway in conjunction with the police. Officers are at the hospital to support the crew and their families."
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service arranged alternative cover for the damaged vehicles which were recovered later in the day.
One fireman was released later in the day, but four remained in hospital, one serious who may require surgery.
Injuries include head trauma and fractures.
The vehicles were removed from the scene to the Inverness headquarters and are being assessed by mechanics.
But the spokesman said it was unlikely that they would return to service as there was significant structural damage and the chassis of both is still to be examined in detail.
Replacement vehicles were brought in from Aberdeen and Dundee plus cover personnel from across Scotland.
The spokesman added: "The people of the Highlands can be re-assured that full cover has been restored both in terms of appliances and personnel."