O’NEALS – An accident involving a Sierra Ambulance unit backed up traffic on Highway 41 for about an hour this afternoon as first responders waited for a tow truck large enough to handle the vehicle.
The ambulance was returning from Fresno, northbound just past Road 200 near the Blackhawk Lodge, when a car several vehicles ahead reportedly made a sudden stop.
According to Sierra Ambulance General Manager Ed Guzman, the ambulance swerved to the right to avoid a collision, ran up on the bank where it struck a rock, and then came to rest on the right shoulder.
As the ambulance came back into the traffic lane, it sideswiped another vehicle. Damage to that vehicle was reportedly minor and the driver was uninjured.
Fortunately, the paramedics in the ambulance sustained only minor injuries and were treated and released at the scene. Unfortunately, the ambulance sustained major damage.
Cal Fire and Madera County Fire responded to the scene along with CHP and Madera Sheriff’s deputies.
The driver of the car that made the abrupt stop reportedly left the scene.
