TOPEKA, Kansas (WIBW) – A firefighter was seriously injured after a car slid off icy I-470 and entered emergency response teams preparing for another incident. I-470 is now reopened.
UPDATE: Firefighters have responded to reports of an overturned vehicle – a red SUV – and are attempting to clear the scene, officials told 13 NEWS. As they did so, however, another vehicle crossing the bridge before the exit — already icy — slid off the interstate, rolled off the embankment and hit a firefighter.
Crews immediately began attending to the firefighter, who was rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries, officials said. Firefighters are reportedly on alert at the hospital.
Both drivers of the vehicle involved were treated for minor injuries at the scene and did not require hospitalization, TFD noted.
The Topeka Police Department said they had closed westbound I-470 at the Huntoon St. exit around 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, due to multiple crashes.
TPD said multiple law enforcement agencies were on the scene trying to clean up the incident.
The Kansas Highway Patrol continues to investigate both crashes.
Icy road conditions are believed to have played a role in the crash.
KHP said around 11:15 am that I-470 had reopened.
Officials said they will hold a news conference later today to discuss the events of this morning.
Emergency crews are responding to a crash on I-470 in West Topeka that is believed to be caused by icing.
Emergency crews are responding to multiple crashes on I-470 in West Topeka that are believed to be caused by icing conditions.
A firefighter was seriously injured after a car slid off icy I-470 and entered emergency response teams preparing for another incident. I-470 is now reopened.
Copyright 2023 WIBW. all rights reserved.
