Firefighters injured attending night call
Roger Varley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Three Uxbridge firefighters were injured Sunday evening when they were struck by a vehicle while attending an accident on Wagg Road. Two of the firefighters were transported to Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto with serious injuries and one was taken to Markham Stouffville Hospital with less severe injuries.
The fire department would not release the names of the firefighters at this time. Police said one was a 42-year-old firefighter, who was, at press time, listed as critical but stable. A 37-year-old fire captain suffered serious injuries and a 54-year-old fire captain was taken to hospital with minor injuries and has since been released.
Fire chief Mike MacDonald said firefighters face "real and serious risks" every time they go out on a call.
“Even with lights, sirens, and safety protocols, the dangers are very real," he said in a statement. "We are fortunate that our firefighters were not more seriously injured in this incident. I ask everyone to slow down . . . whenever approaching an accident scene. Your caution can make the difference between life and injury for first responders and the people they are helping.”
Mayor Dave Barton, who announced the accident at the start of Monday's council meeting, said in a statement on Facebook that “last night, Uxbridge came far too close to a tragedy.”
"We must all be more cautious when driving around active first responders," he continued. "Protecting those who protect us starts with each of us taking responsibility behind the wheel.”
Regional chair John Henry offered the same remonstration: “This incident reminds us of the risks emergency responders face every time they answer the call. Our first responders need space to do their jobs safely. I urge all residents to slow down and move over when you see emergency vehicles stopped with lights flashing. This isn’t just the law—it’s about saving lives. Please do your part to protect those who protect us.
He also offered praise to the various first responders who attended the scene on Sunday night: “Thank you to the Durham Regional Police Service, Uxbridge Fire Department, Region of Durham Paramedic Services, Ornge, and all first responders involved for their courage and dedication to keeping our communities safe—even under extremely hazardous conditions.”
Durham Regional Police reported that police and the Uxbridge fire department responded to a motor vehicle collision at Wagg Road, near Old Highway 47, involving a transport truck and pick-up truck towing a trailer. While the emergency personnel were at the scene, another vehicle lost control, hitting three firefighters and the driver of the transport truck, before crashing through a fence and into a tree. Road conditions were reported to be hazardous at the time. Three other firefighters on the fire truck were not injured.
The transport truck driver was transported to a local area hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries, remained on the scene and cooperated with police.