Rye FD’s Role in Multi-Car Pile Up

Rye FD “got the call shortly after 7am,” said Lieutenant John McDwyer, as he went on the detail the fire department’s response to the 18 car collision on I-95 Wednesday morning.

Perhaps the biggest takeaway is the fire chief’s observation that the number of auto accidents has increased markedly since the start of construction on I-95. “The facts are the amount of frequency we are out there for automobile accidents has significantly increased during the construction phase,” McDwyer told MyRye.com.

The “first due” equipment and firefighters were from Locust Avenue headquarters, including Engine 191, Utility 39 and Car 2421. They encountered no access via I-95 Southbound due to the accident combined with construction causing a severe bottleneck that did not allow the movement of emergency vehicles. While the “first due” vehicles re-routed, the “second due” vehicles and manpower from the Milton firehouse – Engine 192 and car 2423 – were able to enter I-95 Southbound below the accident and drive safely north to reach the scene. All vehicles and manpower did reach the scene, including additional manpower from Car 2422.

Rye FD first assisted EMS with triage and then assisted the wrecking company on scene with clearing the highway. Finally they assisted the State department of Transportation and the New York State Police with with salting the road before reopening.