Double Trouble in Reseda: Battalion Chief's Vehicle Struck While Rushing to Ambulance Crash Scene

A Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) battalion chief's vehicle was involved in a concerning collision Friday morning while en route to an initial ambulance crash in Reseda, according to officials. The chief sustained minor injuries in the incident, highlighting the perilous situations emergency responders often face.

The initial emergency call came in around 6:40 a.m., reporting a traffic collision involving an ambulance at the bustling intersection of Reseda Boulevard and Sherman Way.

As Battalion Chief 17, identified as William Jones, was responding with lights and sirens activated, their department truck was tragically struck by another vehicle at the very same intersection, creating a compounding incident.

"It appears the chief's vehicle was broadsided by a civilian vehicle that was turning, an unfortunate mishap amidst the chaos," stated LAFD spokesperson Margaret Thompson.

"The impact was significant, but thankfully, the chief's injuries were minor, and they were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and observation." The driver of the civilian vehicle also received immediate medical attention at the scene, with their condition not immediately released.

This second, unforeseen collision caused substantial traffic delays in the area for hours as authorities meticulously investigated both scenes, working to understand the full circumstances of each incident.

Police are actively investigating the factors surrounding both crashes, which occurred within moments and meters of each other.

The original ambulance crash, to which the chief was initially responding, also involved another vehicle. Details regarding injuries from that initial incident were sparse, but paramedics were already on scene tending to patients before the chief's separate incident occurred.

Fortunately, no LAFD personnel were reported to be seriously injured in the first collision, though the stress of the situation was undoubtedly high.

This unfortunate and rare sequence of events serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers confronted by first responders every single day.

Rushing to emergencies, often navigating chaotic traffic, distracted drivers, and unpredictable circumstances, places their lives at significant risk. The LAFD continues to urge all drivers to always yield to emergency vehicles, remain vigilant, and exercise extreme caution when near accident scenes or whenever emergency lights are visible, ensuring the safety of those who protect us.