HAMMOND | A Hammond fire engine collided with an SUV on its way to a house fire early Sunday morning.
The driver of the SUV was arrested, accused of operating while intoxicated, according to the police report.
The SUV was traveling south on Calumet Avenue when it failed to yield to the fire engine, which had its emergency lights and sirens activated, according to the police report.
The engine was turning left onto 143rd Street from northbound Calumet Avenue after leaving Central Fire Station on its way to a fire in the 4100 block of Torrence Avenue.
The accident occured at 3:55 a.m. Sunday.
A police officer was following the fire engine and saw the accident occur, said Jeff Smith, Hammond Fire Department chief.
Smith said the firefighters were not injured in the accident, but the four people riding in the SUV were transported to the hospital.
The SUV's driver had a blood alcohol content of .13, according to the police report. In Indiana, a person is considered intoxicated with a BAC of .08.
Smith said other fire rigs already were on the scene at the fire. He said the fire caused extensive damage to the home, but it could be repaired.
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