The Wichita Police Department is investigating a fatal crash involving a Wichita Fire Department fire engine and a Honda CR-V at the intersection of Lincoln Street and Greenwich Road.
According to a news release: On Tuesday, Oct. 27, at approximately 8:49 a.m., officers were notified by the Wichita Fire Department of an injury crash involving a fire engine and a black Honda CR-V.
The preliminary investigation indicates that WFD Engine 20 was traveling north on Greenwich Road with its emergency lights and siren activated while responding to a medical emergency involving a person experiencing difficulty breathing.
A black Honda CR-V, driven by 79-year-old James Mattson of Wichita, was traveling west on Lincoln Street and attempting to turn south onto Greenwich Road. The Fire engine struck the driver side of the Honda CR-V in the intersection.
Mattson was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Four Wichita firefighters were aboard Engine 20 at the time of the crash. None reported injuries.
The WPD Critical Accident Team has been activated and is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. WPD is the lead investigating agency, with assistance from the Kansas Highway Patrol.
The investigation remains ongoing as investigators work to determine the sequence of events and factors that contributed to the collision. Anyone with information about this crash who has not yet spoken with investigators is encouraged to call 316-350-3689.
