For the third time in less than a year an emergency services vehicle was struck on Highway 401 in Northumberland County.
Shortly after 6 p.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2026 a Brighton fire truck was struck on Highway 401 at the scene of a collision.
Brighton Fire Department were called to a tractor trailer that was in the ditch on Highway 401 westbound approximately two-kilometres west of County Road 30 at approximately 6 p.m.
While a tanker truck was acting as a “blocker” for emergency services, it was struck by a flatbed trailer.
The fire apparatus at the time was blocking the shoulder of the highway with emergency lights activated.
The flatbed trailer struck the mirror and the front end of the fire apparatus (pumper).
“The “slow down and move over” is there for a reason,” said Brighton Fire Chief Gene Thompson.
Even after the impact, vehicles still weren’t moving over, and going by emergency service apparatus less than a metre away.
“It’s come down to training. I think is the biggest issue,” said Thompson.
“Drivers should be taught the “move over” legislation.”
“We’re running out of suggestions. This is the third firetruck struck in the last 12 months. It’s like emergency lights don’t mean anything anymore.”
Thompson said emergency services coming to the aid of people are putting their lives in danger, and something has to be done about it.
“It’s a free for all.”
Thompson estimated, thankfully the damage is only estimated at approximately $5,000, but it could have been much worse. Especially for the firefighters inside the vehicle.
A repair vehicle was dispatched to the scene to temporarily repair the vehicle, but numerous firefighters had to use flashlights to signal vehicles to change lanes.
Thompson said the safety of emergency services is paramount at any scene, but adds if the fire apparatus had to be replaced it would cost over one million dollars to replace and would take well over a year.
“We take a lot of pride in our equipment, and now we have a truck that’s smashed up.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
