THE SOMERVILLE, MASSACHUSETTS, FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS SETTING up operations at what would become a 2-alarm house fire Monday night.
Boston Herald / Garfinkel
The engine had connected to the hydrant and laid out the supply line to the fire scene when the ladder company arrived. As the truck was approaching the scene, the rear wheels ran over the supply line, getting it entangled between the duals and wrapped around the axle. As the aerial continued, it yanked the hose line which in turn twisted the hydrant around on its barrel about 145º before the coupling was ripped off the hydrant.
The hose coupling and line went flying, ripping out a long section of chain link fencing and catching a street sign, sending it soaring too. The 49-yr-old man who lives in the house was standing on his front stoop watching the fire trucks arrive when the loose end of the hose struck him violently in his stomach and the street sign slammed into his head.
Somerville Journal / Swanton
The man was transported to Massachusetts General Hospital where he is in fair condition and being treated for a fractured neck and a 6-inch gash in his skull.
The truck, Somerville Ladder 3 was also seriously damaged.
The fire began shortly before midnight Monday and the FD had it knocked down in an hour. The house has extensive damage, but the residents all escaped safely.
WCVB-TV Ch. 5 has this video report from the scene:
