The Buffalo Grove Fire Department received a call reporting a one-vehicle collision with a tree around midnight on Thursday night (Friday morning). The first arriving company found a late model Cadillac Escalade with extensive damage from the impact which trapped the driver. Truck 25, Engine 27, Ambulance 25, and Battalion 4 worked the scene for roughly 49 minutes to extricate the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle.
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After removing the driver’s door, firefighters survey the interior damage. Larry Shapiro photo
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Preparations begin to remove the rear door. Larry Shapiro photo
The impact was so intense that it completely destroyed the front of the vehicle causing heavy damage to the front driver’s corner, causing one leg to be pinned underneath the dashboard.
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An officer takes out the rear window glass. Larry Shapiro photo
Larry Shapiro was at the scene and submitted several images of the extrication and the overall damage.
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Hinges are cut to release the rear door. Larry Shapiro photo
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After the door is removed, the column is cut to allow full access to the patient. Larry Shapiro photo
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The tree, visible in the foreground, proved to be an immovable object even for the roughly 6,000 lb. Cadillac Escalade. Larry Shapiro photo
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The damage to the front end is visible as well as the demolition performed by the firefighters. Larry Shapiro photo
Additional images can be found in a gallery HERE.
#1 by chris r on June 14, 2012 - 4:47 PM
nice video !!!!!!! LARRY
#2 by ENG 17 on June 14, 2012 - 10:19 AM
A “very solid tree” indeed….