WHEELING, Ohio County, W.Va., Oct. 24, 2026 — A Wheeling firefighter was hurt on Friday afternoon, October 23, when a tow truck struck a city fire engine near the 26th Street off-ramp from I-470. The crash happened around 3:50 p.m. on westbound I-470 near exit 2.
Engine 2 from the Wheeling Fire Department was hit by a tow truck that was hauling an Appalachian Power vehicle at the time. The collision caused a temporary backup on the interstate.
Philip Stahl, the Wheeling Fire Department's public information officer, confirmed a department vehicle was involved and said one firefighter was injured. That firefighter was listed in stable condition at Wheeling Hospital, Stahl said.
Erikka Storch, external affairs manager for Appalachian Power, confirmed one of the utility's trucks was being towed back to a facility in South Wheeling at the time of the crash. The report indicates the AEP vehicle itself was not otherwise involved and was towed from the scene by a separate tow truck around 6:57 p.m.
Wheeling Police asked West Virginia State Police to handle the investigation, saying department policy prevented them from investigating given the circumstances of the crash. State police had not responded to a request for comment as of Friday evening, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
More on Crashes in Wheeling, WV
This crash happened on I-470 in Wheeling, WV. We cover crashes across Ohio County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Ohio County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries are most common in car accidents like this one?
Impacts involving larger vehicles, including fire engines and tow trucks, usually cause neck and back strain, bruising, and head injuries from sudden stops or being thrown against interior surfaces. Severity depends on speed and the angle of impact.
What usually causes crashes involving tow trucks or emergency vehicles?
Common factors include following distance, driver distraction, misjudged speed on ramps or merges, and reduced visibility. Investigators typically review vehicle positioning, speed, and road conditions before determining a cause.
Does speed make a difference in how serious a crash is?
Yes. Higher speeds mean more force at impact and less time for drivers to react or stop, which tends to increase the severity of injuries and vehicle damage.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Wheeling, WV
If you're involved in a crash in Wheeling, move to a safe location if possible and call 911 right away. Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical professional, since some injuries like concussions or soft-tissue damage don't show symptoms immediately. Stay at the scene until police arrive, exchange information with the other driver, and take photos if you're able to safely do so. If a state or local agency responds, ask how to obtain a copy of the official crash report once it's filed. Giving yourself time to rest and following up with a doctor in the days after a crash can make a real difference in recovery.
