In responding to a fire alarm at 609 Wyoming Street at 3:19 o’clock yesterday afternoon, fire pumper No. 2 and seven firemen out of eight riding on the apparatus suffered injuries, when the pumper rammed into the side of a heavy truck laden with several tons of coal, at the interception of Washington Boulevard and Henrietta Street. Benjamin H. Witzeman, a member of No. 2 Company, suffered cuts on body, arms and limbs, and also suffered from shock, another member, Samuel Kulp, suffered seven cuts on his right knee, and John D. Stroup, cuts on the hand. These three firemen were given medical treatment. Four other firemen suffered minor injuries and continued on duty.

The No. 2 engine proceeded on Washington Boulevard with its siren continuously sounding and as it approached Henrietta Street a heavy coal truck driven by Dewy Temple of Millville, turned abruptly without signaling, from the south side of Washington Boulevard across to enter Henrietta. The fire apparatus was very close to the truck and driver Fred Snyder applied the brakes of the pumper but was unable to stop and hit the truck midway and forced it and the pumper onto the sidewalk and against an electric light pole, which was demolished. Driver Snyder bravely hung to the wheel and by quickly applying the brakes, saved his fellow firemen from further serious injury

Fire Chief Michael Clark was following closely No. 2 pumper and coming to the scene of the accident, stopped his car and ran to the aid of his men. Then he ran to a nearby house and telephoned fire headquarters to call out pumper No. 7 to answer the fire alarm in place of Co. 2. Company No. 4 also answered this alarm.

Compiled By Lou Hunsinger Jr.