Report blames driver in firefighter's death

[Guest nutty1]

Firefighter Blamed

Associated Press

August 15, 2007

WATERBURY

A city firefighter ran a red light without making sure an intersection was safe in the seconds before a fatal collision between two fire trucks in May, police have concluded in their investigation of the crash.

Firefighter Joseph Fischetti, who was seriously injured in the crash, drove through the red light without taking proper precautions as firefighters responded to a kitchen fire on May 19, the police report says.

Capt. John Keane, who was a passenger in the engine truck driven by Fischetti, died three days after the accident from head and internal injuries. Both men were thrown from the vehicle when it smashed into a ladder truck at Route 73 and East Aurora Street.

The police investigation also found that four firefighters in the engine truck were not wearing seat belts, in violation of state law and fire department policy. The report said Fischetti did not take the most direct route to the fire, choosing a route he was more comfortable with.

Investigators said the engine truck had brake problems, but that they did not contribute to the accident, which injured several other firefighters.

The Waterbury state's attorney's office will review the police report and decide whether charges are warranted.

Fire Chief Michael Maglione told WTNH-TV on Tuesday that he was still going over the report.

Copyright © 2007, The Associated Press

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Edited August 15, 2007 by nutty1