Police officers, motorists injured in fiery crash
The six Canton Township Police officers injured while pulling trapped motorists from their vehicles during a fiery truck crash last week have each been released from the hospital.
At press time, three people trapped in a burning vehicle remain hospitalized in serious condition, according to updated reports.
Canton officers were immediately on the scene and pulled passengers and drivers to safety but at least six of the officers were injured du
ring the rescues, according to police reports. The officers were treated and released from a local hospital along with the driver of the semi-truck who all suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The three people traveling in the SUV involved in the crash remained hospitalized early this week.
The crash and subsequent extreme fire damage closed the heavily-traveled intersection for several hours. Officials noted that firefighters battled the high flames and intense heat for the fire for some time. Bialy said the intense heat from the fire melted the traffic control signals at the intersections, which will have to be replaced.
“They fought courageously to get these flames down,” Bialy said.
An investigation into the circumstances and cause of the crash remains ongoing, according to police, and the final investigative findings will be referred to the office of the Wayne County Prosecutor for determination of any criminal charges.
Canton Township Supervisor Anne Marie Graham-Hudak expressed her respect for the lifesaving actions of both the police and fire departments in the situation.
"Lives were saved because of the expertise and bravery of our public safety team," Graham Hudak said. "They moved quickly to secure the fire in the area and prevent further danger, and we couldn’t be more proud of their dedication."
Canton Township Deputy Fire Chief Jamie Strassner said the fast action of his department in controlling what could have been a disastrous situation.
He said fire crews quickly shifted into hazardous materials response mode while working to contain the ignited diesel fuel, protect nearby waterways and coordinate cleanup of the area while prioritizing care and transport of injured drivers and passengers. He said crews controlled the blaze and heavy black smoke within 10 minutes. Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including mutual aid partners from neighboring communities.
Strassner said the rate of speed involved in the crash could have resulted in a much more serious outcome. Officials were grateful, he said, there were no fatalities in the incident.
