A Marion County, Florida ambulance responding to a call last week ended up in an emergency situation of its own when it was hit by both a bus and truck while driving through an intersection. The crash sent 15 people to the hospital, although, thankfully, no one was killed WKMG News 6 reports.
The bus, operated by the community non-profit Bridge To Hope, was carrying special-needs students at the time, 11 of whom were taken to the hospital following the crash. The bus driver, two Marion County firefighters who were in the ambulance, and the pickup truck driver were also taken to the hospital.
Three of the students on the bus sustained minor injuries, while the other eight were reportedly taken to the hospital as a precaution. The two firefighters sustained minor injuries, and there is currently no word on the condition of the drivers of both the bus and the truck that hit the ambulance.
At the time of the crash, video obtained by WKMG News 6 shows that the ambulance had its emergency lights and siren on. The drivers of both the truck and bus failed to yield to the ambulance as it went through the intersection, causing the crash. Luckily for those injured, the crash took place next to Marion County Fire Rescue Station 21, and firefighters at the station were able to quickly respond to the crash.
While the driver of the ambulance likely should have ensured that the intersection was clear before driving through it, consider this a good reminder that you should also slow down and check for emergency vehicles when you hear sirens. The last thing that you want to do is cause a crash that sends you and others to the hospital while also possibly keeping someone else from receiving life-saving care.
H/T: CarScoops