Police fault firefighter in fatal accident - Boston.com
WATERBURY, Conn. --A city firefighter ran a red light without making sure an intersection was safe in the seconds before a fatal collision between two fire trucks in May, police have concluded in their investigation of the crash.
Firefighter Joseph Fischetti, who was seriously injured in the accident, drove through the red light without taking proper precautions as firefighters responded to a kitchen fire on May 19, the police report says.
Capt. John Keane died three days after the accident from head and internal injuries. He was a passenger in the engine truck driven by Fischetti. Both men were thrown from the vehicle when it smashed into a ladder truck at Route 73 and East Aurora Street.
The police investigation also found that four firefighters in the engine truck were not wearing seat belts, in violation of state law and fire department policy. The report said Fischetti did not take the most direct route to the fire, choosing a route he was more comfortable with.
Investigators said the engine truck had brake problems, but that did not contribute to the accident, which injured several other firefighters.
The Waterbury state's attorney's office will be reviewing the police report and decide whether charges are warranted.
Fire Chief Michael Maglione told WTNH-TV on Tuesay he was still going over the report, but added the findings were not a surprise. He said emotions are still running high three months after the accident.
