UPDATED REPORT
By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
FLORENCE — Seven firefighters were injured, one seriously, after responding last Thursday afternoon to a burning commercial tractor-trailer stopped on the shoulder of the southbound lane of I-295, according to New Jersey State Police.
”Troopers from Bordentown station responded to the truck fire” just after 1:30 p.m. May 31, said state police spokesperson Christopher Kay on June 1.
”During the course of engaging the fire, seven firefighters from Florence were injured,” Trooper Kay said. “Six of the seven (firefighters) were taken to Virtua Hospital (in Mount Holly) for minor injuries.”
The seventh man, Fire Marshal Brian Richardson, was airlifted to Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton.
”He suffered from serious head injuries when the trailer doors kind of blasted opened,” Trooper Kay said, noting the firefighter had been standing near the rear of the truck at the time of the explosion.
Mr. Richardson remained in the ICU at Capital Health as of June 4, according to a Florence Township Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1 press release.
”His condition is stable and he is showing miraculous improvement. He is conscious and able to speak with family and friends,” the release said. “The remaining firefighters are all recovering at home. Five have been released back to duty status. It is expected that the remaining firefighter will be released back to duty in the next few days.”
On May 31 at 1:41 p.m., the fire departments of Mansfield and Florence townships were dispatched to I-295 for a report of a truck fire, the release said, noting, “as fire crews were gaining access to the trailer through the rear door an explosion occurred,” the Florence fire department release said.
State police said that the truck driver, Jeffrey Gaines, 44, of Philadelphia, noticed some smoke coming from the trailer, carrying produce, and stopped to assess the mechanical issue. He was not injured.
Trooper Kay said the cause of the fire and explosion were under investigation.
The fire took place at the 51.8 mile post of I-295 south, he said.
Local law enforcement and investigating units of the state police, including an arson bomb unit and a commercial inspection unit, responded to the scene to investigate, Trooper Kay said.
Donations for Mr. Richardson may be sent to The Sean Fund c/o Burlington County Professional Firefighters Association Local 3091, PO Box 478, Hainesport, NJ 08036-0478.