South Burlington, VT (July 16, 2025) – Emergency crews responded Wednesday afternoon to a serious motor vehicle accident involving a patient-loaded ambulance and a passenger car on Shelburne Rd. The crash occurred at approximately 1:55 p.m. and involved South Burlington Fire Department and multiple EMS units.
Initial reports confirmed that the ambulance was actively transporting a patient at the time of the collision. Following the impact, responders on the scene called for additional ambulances to assist with multiple injuries. South Burlington Fire Department requested at least two transport units, indicating the likelihood of injuries to both EMS personnel and occupants of the other vehicle.
Authorities have not yet released the number of people injured or the extent of the injuries sustained. However, all involved were evaluated at the scene, and additional medical transportation was provided for those requiring further care.
Details surrounding the cause of the crash remain under investigation. Both vehicles sustained damage, and traffic on Shelburne Rd was temporarily disrupted while crews worked to clear the scene and ensure the continued care of the patient who had already been in transit.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident, and we wish a full and swift recovery to the injured.
Emergency Vehicle Crashes in Vermont
Collisions involving emergency vehicles, such as Wednesday’s crash on Shelburne Rd in South Burlington, pose unique and serious risks. When ambulances are involved—particularly those already transporting patients—the stakes are considerably higher. Occupants may already be in fragile medical condition, and the sudden jolt or trauma from a crash can compound existing health crises.
In Vermont and across the country, emergency vehicles operate under special road privileges but are still vulnerable to collisions, especially in busy urban corridors or intersections. Drivers are required by law to yield to ambulances using lights and sirens, but accidents can still happen due to misjudged gaps, poor visibility, or failure to clear intersections quickly enough.
In this case, the presence of a patient on board adds a critical layer to the response, as EMS providers must shift from en route care to rapid trauma assessment following the collision. Additional responders are often called in to stabilize all affected individuals, including EMS workers who may have been unrestrained while providing care in the back of the vehicle.
Crashes involving emergency services also raise complex questions regarding liability, injury claims, and ongoing patient treatment. Victims may suffer injuries not only from the impact itself but from interrupted medical care or delayed transport.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an emergency vehicle, Local Accident Reports can help connect you with resources for medical support, legal options, and recovery guidance. Our team is here to ensure you have the tools you need to move forward with clarity and confidence. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you.
