SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Three San Diego Fire-Rescue Department crew members were injured in a crash Sunday morning while on their way to assist with Hurricane Helene relief efforts.
Authorities say the three were apart of SDFD's Urban Search & Rescue California Task Force 8, en route to North Carolina.
The three members injured were one Battalion Chief and two other Captains with SDFD.
The crash occurred around 2:45 a.m. Sunday on East Highway 20 near the border of Texas and Louisiana, according to a statement from the city of San Diego.
"Three SDFD firefighters were seriously injured in a crash on their way to assist with the Hurricane Helene response. All are receiving medical care in Louisiana. I ask San Diegans to keep these first responders and their families in your prayers," San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said in a post on social media.
The victims' injuries range from moderate to critical, and all three are currently recovering at the Louisiana State University Hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana. Their identities have not been released at this time.
On Friday, the Task Force 8 crew left San Diego with 48 people from multiple agencies. The Type III water rescue team includes 32 team members from SDFD, and others from Carlsbad, Chula Vista, El Cajon, La Mesa, Rancho Santa Fe, San Marcos and Santee fire departments.
An emergency room doctor, two firefighters from the Riverside Fire Department, one civilian structural engineer and one city of San Diego Fleet Services mechanic were also included in the effort.
Officials say an accident like this is a first for the task force, which has deployed to multiple natural disasters over the years.
The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
The Firefighter Aid organization has created a fundraiser to support the first responders as they recover from their serious injuries. The fund has already raised more than $25,000, and the proceeds will go directly to the families taking care of their firefighters.
