08/26/2024 – At 1513 hours Rescue 95 was dispatched on automatic mutual aid with the Earl Township Fire Company (Station 19) to assist with a motor vehicle accident with injuries and entrapment in the 1700 block of West Philadelphia Ave. Callers reported a vehicle struck a retail store and a male was entrapped in the car with the vehicle into the building. Assistant 19 arrived and confirmed the report. Based on that report Collapse 95 also made the response. Collapse and Engine 95-1 arrived followed shortly by Rescue 95. Personnel from Station 19 were already in the process of performing a roof removal. Station 95 personnel assisted using numerous cutters from 19 and 95 apparatus to effectively access and remove the trapped occupant.
The vehicle had penetrated the “Bravo” side of the building. The Special Operations Captain was assigned to evaluate the structure. It was determined that due to the damage, the decision was made to support the roof joists while the vehicle was removed to assure no additional damage or collapse of the cinderblock wall. The building had a full basement so Paratech struts were placed to support the first floor joists where the upper struts were placed supporting the roof. Once both of these were erected and in place, the area around the vehicle was opened so the towing company could safely remove the vehicle without pulling on the wall.
When the vehicle was removed, personnel assisted the towing company with debris cleanup. Special Operations personnel discussed with the building owner on how to support the remaining cinderblock wall where the vehicle had compromised. The temporary struts were removed and the building was checked to assure that is was safe. Earl Township Command released the company and the assignment was available at 1720 hours.
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