Authorities say they were using it as protection while first responders worked an accident on the westbound lanes of Expressway 83. An 18-wheeler then slammed into it.
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A firefighter in the truck was treated at an area hospital. He has since been released.
Officials say, however, that the truck won’t be back in service anytime soon.
“What we have is, we have vehicles that are in reserve whenever we have one of our units do down,” says McAllen Fire Department Chief Rafael Balderas. “We have a replacement to come in and take its place. That’s what we’ve done.”
Fourteen vehicles, including the department’s fire truck, were towed away from the scene.