Three Firefighters Killed in Vehicle Crash in Washington State
Three firefighters died when their vehicle crashed while responding to a wildfire in Washington State on Thursday, October 12, 2023, around 4:30 p.m.
The incident occurred on State Route 97 near Wenatchee, where the vehicle was reportedly engulfed in flames following the collision. According to authorities, the firefighters were part of a team battling the ongoing wildfire in the area.
Emergency responders from the Washington State Patrol and local fire departments were on the scene. Two additional firefighters were injured and transported to a nearby hospital; their conditions are currently unknown.
The roadway was closed for several hours while the scene was cleared and an investigation commenced. Officials are working to determine the cause of the crash. Towing services were engaged to remove the vehicle from the site.
Authorities said the firefighters were part of a coordinated effort to combat the blaze impacting the region, which has faced severe fire conditions this season. Additional details regarding the incident will be released as the investigation unfolds.