Calls to make road safer after fire truck crash in Dumfries

DUMFRIES, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - Questions are emerging about a busy northern Virginia roadway after a fire truck flipped over. The incident happened over the weekend on Waterway Drive in the Montclair neighborhood in Dumfries.

FOX 5’s Tisha Lewis reports the fire truck was reportedly responding to a call Saturday night with its lights and siren on and apparently swerved to miss a car that abruptly stopped ahead of them.

The accident happened within walking distance from the Dumfries — Triangle fire station.

Four firefighters had minor injuries but are okay. Now, residents, including the homeowner who’s backyard fence was damaged by the crash, are asking if more safety measures need to be put in place.

“I know police are pretty good to sit down here and monitor speed but I haven’t seen them lately,” said Shawn Cheek, a Montclair resident.

Police are not saying speed played a factor in the accident that took place Saturday around 7 p.m.

What we do know is a car stopped short in front of the fire truck and to avoid hitting that car, the fire engine swerved and at some point lost control.

The speed limit is 35 miles per hour on Waterway Drive but sometimes drivers go much faster.  Even so, there was a mixed reaction from residents.

“It’s not really that much traffic down Waterway unless it’s rush hour,” said Carolyn Bennett.

Police say they have routine enforcement on Waterway Drive. They also say no one is facing any charges.