November 8th, 2025
Engine 611 was struck from behind earlier this morning while working a traffic crash along with Powhatan County Fire and Rescue on Rt. 288 in the southbound lane at mile marker # 25, on the James River Bridge. No Fire-Rescue personnel were injured, and the engine was not occupied when it was hit.
The driver of the passenger car that struck Engine 611 was seriously injured and was transported to an area trauma center. Engine 611 was serving as advanced warning positioned as an upstream block protecting the primary crash scene at the time of the secondary collision. The engine has sustained serious damage and is out of service, currently replaced by Engine 681 at Manakin Company 1.
Thankfully, no first responders were injured. While the engine sustained significant damage, the incident reminds us all too well of the importance to always follow traffic incident management safety (TIMS) procedures when working on the roadways. We ask that you keep the injured motorist in your thoughts and prayers. The Virginia State Police is currently investigating the incident.
Drivers also are reminded of Virginia’s “Move Over” law, which requires motorists to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle stopped alongside the road. If unable to move over, drivers are required to cautiously pass the emergency vehicle. The law also applies to workers in vehicles equipped with amber lights. #slowdownmoveover
