Shortly after noontime on August 5, 2006, the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company was dispatched by the emergency response operator to Tariffville Road near the Quarry Road intersection for an accident involving a car and a motorcycle. Both vehicles were reported to be on fire with a victim in the roadway.

The motorcyclist was traveling westbound on Tariffville Road when they lost control of the bike and slid into the eastbound lane where they and the bike collided with an oncoming vehicle, both of which immediately caught fire upon impact. Nearby residents and emergency personnel pulled the motorcyclist away from the burning vehicles.

Engine 16 quickly arrived on-scene and firefighters worked to knock-down the fire and overhaul the vehicles. Members of the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association and Police Department worked feverously to administer on-scene emergency care to the motorcyclist. Other firefighters worked to keep the run-off from the vehicles and the suppression operation away from the victim and out of storm drains.

The driver of the automobile was shaken but uninjured, but unfortunately the motorcyclist succumbed to their injuries.

The wheel well is thoroughly flushed for hot spots.

Engine 16 and Rescue 15 work from the uphill side of the incident.

Lieutenant Jason Gilbert uses a Halligan bar to pop the hood of the car.

Exploding gas struts pose a significant threat during vehicle fires. A Connecticut firefighter was badly injured in 2004 when one penetrated his leg.

Firefighter Mike Brown overhauls the engine compartment.

Chief James Baldis uses the tailgate of his vehicle as the command and accountability post.

Captain Tim Paydos helps direct fluid containment.

The motorcycle came to rest on the edge of the road.

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The wheel well is thoroughly flushed for hot spots.

 

Photographs by Cliff Williams