Wapello fire and rescue responded to six-vehicle accident

WAPELLO — Wapello Fire and Rescue experienced an increase in calls Oct. 20-24 which included a significant motor vehicle accident and multiple medical emergency and fire calls.

The busy four-day run for fire and rescue crews concluded with a call at 8:51 p.m., Wednesday Oct. 25 when Wapello Fire and Rescue responded to a multiple vehicle accident at the intersection of U.S. Highway 61 and Iowa Highway 78.

Upon arrival, crews found a six-vehicle accident involving a pickup truck towing an enclosed trailer, two passenger cars, two sport utility vehicles and a minivan.

One victim was extricated by firefighters. Three individuals were transported to Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center by Ambulance. The remaining individuals were treated and released or refused medical care.

Fire crews remained on scene until the traffic investigation was complete and then worked to clear the roadway of vehicles and debris.

Fourteen Wapello firefighters responded to the scene.

Wapello Community Ambulance with two ambulances and Med 1 (advanced life support intercept unit), Morning Sun Fire Department, Morning Sun Ambulance, Louisa County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Transportation, Holmes’ Towing, Mincer Towing and Midtown Towing also responded to the scene.

Earlier that same day, they received a medical emergency call just after 6:30 a.m. on 125th street in rural Wapello and another medical emergency call just past 4 p.m. on County Road G-56 in rural Wapello.

Wednesday came only after many busy days leading up to the big accident, though.

On Friday, Oct. 20 Wapello Fire and Rescue responded to three separate medical emergencies at 5:38 a.m., 11:21 a.m., and 5:11 p.m.

The busy pace continued into Saturday, Oct. 21 with calls for medical emergencies at 12:06 a.m. and 4:22 a.m.

At 11:16 a.m. they responded to 709 Highway 61 North in Wapello for a report of a demolition debris fire that had gotten out of control.

Wapello Fire and Rescue received another call for a medical emergency at 2:22 p.m. Saturday then on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 7:50 a.m. they answered a call for a medical emergency on 100th Street in rural Wapello.

Only a few hours later on Sunday at 10:04 p.m., a report of smoke inside a residence came in from 14049 Country Road G-62 outside of Wapello.

Crews investigated the origin and discovered a failed electrical wiring connection in the basement caught fire. Fire crews shut off power to the circuit and returned to base.

The busyness continued with calls Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday the next week.

On Monday, Oct. 23, they received a called for a medical emergency on 100th Street in rural Wapello.

When Wapello Fire and Rescue arrived at the Wapello High School to conduct training exercises Tuesday shortly before 7 p.m., they discovered a nearby utility pole on fire. Alliant Energy was notified, and fire crews remained on scene until the situation was secure.