THUNDER BAY — For the second time in two months, a Superior North EMS ambulance has been damaged in a collision involving a transport truck.
Two paramedics suffered minor injuries in the latest incident, which happened Friday on the Thunder Bay Expressway at the Harbour Expressway intersection.
Nick Enders, superintendent of EMS operations in the city, says the crew stopped for an amber light when their vehicle was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer.
He said the truck driver "I guess, assumed that the ambulance was going to go through the amber light. He attempted to veer around it, and clipped the rear corner of the ambulance."
Enders said there was no patient on board at the time, but the crew was in the process of responding to an emergency call.
They had been dispatched to pick up a patient coming in on an aircraft that had not yet landed.
According to Enders, a replacement ambulance was sent, and there was no significant delay.
Photos of the damaged ambulance show extensive damage, but he said Superior North EMS is still waiting to hear whether it can be repaired.
Having it out of service "definitely impacts operations," Enders said.
Another ambulance that was struck by a transport truck on Dawson Road in March is still out for repairs.
Superior North EMS has a fleet of 14 vehicles in the city.
Enders said two spares are available as needed, and ambulances may also be called in from bases in the district if required.
He said the two incidents show why it's important for motorists to be aware of emergency vehicles on the road at all times, and to drive appropriately.
"Slow down. Use caution. That way everybody can go home and make it to their families."
In an earlier version of this story, Enders indicated it was his understanding that the ambulance involved in the collision had not been on a high-priority call. He subsequently contacted Tbnewswatch with updated information.
