Fire Truck Runs over Accident victim

[JM15 386]

LORDSBURG, N.M. -- A crash Saturday along Interstate 10 near Lordsburg killed four members of the Lopez family from Anaheim, Calif.

But police on Tuesday learned that there was a second accident at that scene involving the responding emergency personnel.

"As the fire truck arrived, it crossed the median. Upon entering the westbound lane of the interstate, it ran over the deceased body of Manuel Lopez," said Lt. Eddie Flores, of the New Mexico State Police.

Authorities confirmed that Lopez, 38, was dead before the rescue vehicle ran over him.

Hidalgo County officials are looking into the incident, as well as waiting for the findings of the state police investigation.

"Until we get further reports from the state police and people that were involved, the county has no comment at this time," said Hidalgo County Manager Roger Ellis. "Criminal charges, I would have to say, are very, very unlikely."

Police said Lopez's body was covered with a blanket at the time of the incident and it was difficult to tell it apart from the debris at the scene.

Hidalgo County officials said the driver of the rescue vehicle was a volunteer.

Why do they specifically say that the driver was a volunteer?

[JohnnyOV 2]

Its just a way to get the public to think that volunteers are worse ff/emts then paid guys. It makes me sick.

[bjg411 0]

I would imagine that they identify the driver as being a volunteer because the consequences for a professional firefighter would be far more serious.

[Guest alsfirefighter]

Maybe that's just how they release info where they are at. Just reminds you to use caution as you approach any scene.

EMSjunkie, maybe if you repeat that enough times someone else would believe your huge conspiracy theory. You are what you are right?

[Guest]

It's his opinion of what happened, ALS...

[Guest alsfirefighter]

Correct it is, just like what I put is my opinion in regard to his. What happened was a rig ran over a victim in the street, that is fact. His comment isn't based on any factual information.

Like I said you are what you are.

[cas2383 22]

Career or volunteer, the rescue truck still made it to the scene and no one was injured....