Driver crashes into fire truck on I-587, injuring firefighter

PITT COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT) — A man is facing charges of impaired driving and reckless driving after striking a stationary fire engine on I-587. According to officials, on September 6, State Troopers and emergency personnel were actively on scene investigating a separate fatal collision that necessitated the complete closure of both eastbound travel lanes on I-587. Fire Department units were providing critical scene support, managing a vehicle fire resulting from the initial fatal collision, and assisting with traffic control operations. During this active investigation, 22-year-old Victor Manuel Gonzalez of Chocowinity was traveling eastbound on I-587. Gonzalez failed to comply with the established roadway closure warning and struck a stationary fire engine blocking the travel lanes. The force of the impact ejected a firefighter who was positioned at the rear of the apparatus. The injured firefighter was transported to ECU Health Medical Center with injuries determined to be non-life-threatening. Gonzalez was also transported to ECU Health Medical Center with serious injuries. He has since been charged with Driving While Impaired and Reckless Driving. Related News: