Crane traps man

Tractor trailer catches fire

The Columbus Volunteer Fire Department had a hectic week last weekend, responding to a crane rollover and tractor trailer fire on Friday, May 30 and Sunday, June 1.

At approximately 3 a.m. last Friday morning, the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a “crane” rollover with a person trapped beneath the equipment in the construction zone on I-10 westbound, near the 695-mile marker.

Upon arriving, first responders discovered that a crane and a traffic control barrier rolled off the bridge into a nearby pond.

Firefighters conducted a water- based extrication, removing the victim from the surface of the water and carrying them up the embankment to a waiting EMS crew.

The victim suffered severe leg injuries and was airlifted to a Level 1 trauma center for advanced medical care.

Assisting agencies included Colorado County EMS and the Colorado County Sheriff’s Department.

Just two days later on Sunday evening, June 1, the Columbus VFD responded to a fire call regrading a tractor-trailer on Highway 71.

The fire was reportedly caused by overheated brakes on the tractor-trailer which was loaded with an assortment of home goods.

The driver was able to successfully disconnect the trailer, preventing any damage to the vehicle, with no injuries to the driver being reported.

The CVFD is incredibly grateful for the requested tanker support from Bernardo Volunteer Fire Department and Garwood Volunteer Fire Department. Their water supply and extra hands were critical in answering the call.

Delgado’s Wrecker Service also provided support with a skid steer, helping clear debris and move the damaged trailer safely.

Other agencies on scene included the Colorado County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado County EMS, and Texas Department of Public Safety.

The roads were up and cleared by 1 a.m. early the next morning, June 2.