Fire Truck Didn’t Use Spotter in Phoenix Fatal Accident

October 24, 2013

Phoenix, Ariz., fire officials say the driver of a fire engine that fatally struck a firefighter at the scene of a mulch fire five months ago wasn’t using a spotter.

The Phoenix Fire Department released its report Tuesday on the May 18 accident that killed 23-year-old Brad Harper.

A review board also concluded Harper was likely focused on other tasks and didn’t notice the approaching engine.

Officials agreed with a previous Phoenix police report, saying no criminal or civil charges would be filed.

The committee is recommending new safety training in awareness at emergency scenes and devices on fire equipment such as backup cameras or automatic brakes.

Harper was trapped between the engine and a door of his rescue ambulance.

He was pronounced dead at a Phoenix hospital the next morning.