Henrico County, VA (April 29, 2026) – Three firefighters were injured on Wednesday afternoon after a crash involving a fire engine shut down all eastbound lanes of Interstate 64 in Henrico County.
According to the Henrico County Police Division, the incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. just past the Parham Road exit. Authorities say a Henrico fire engine was responding to a vehicle fire and had stopped in the far-right lane when it was struck by a dump truck.
Emergency crews quickly responded to the scene and transported three firefighters to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the dump truck was evaluated at the scene and reported to have minor injuries.
The crash caused a full closure of I-64 eastbound for several hours as crews worked to assist the injured, investigate the collision, and clear the roadway. By approximately 4:51 p.m., officials confirmed that the scene had been cleared and that all lanes had been reopened.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
We wish a full recovery to the injured firefighters.
Why Are Emergency Vehicles at Risk While Responding to Incidents?
Emergency vehicles, such as fire engines and ambulances, often operate in high-risk environments while responding to calls. When these vehicles stop on busy roadways, especially highways, they can become vulnerable to passing traffic.
Drivers may not always notice stopped emergency vehicles in time to slow down, especially in high-speed zones or heavy traffic. Distractions, limited visibility, or failure to move over can all contribute to secondary crashes involving first responders.
Many states have “Move Over” laws requiring drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles. These laws are designed to protect responders working on or near the roadway. Staying alert and giving emergency crews plenty of space can help prevent these dangerous incidents.