Two Firefighter-Paramedics Injured in Ambulance Collision

Two firefighter-paramedics were injured when their ambulance was struck by another vehicle while responding to a mutual-aid EMS request early Saturday morning.

The collision occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on September 5, 2026, near Boland Way and East Columbus Avenue in Springfield, Massachusetts. Agawam Rescue 1 was responding to a low-acuity EMS request and was traveling with traffic without emergency lights or siren. No patient was aboard the ambulance.

Both Agawam firefighter-paramedics sustained minor injuries and were transported to Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield, where they were treated and released. A passenger in the Jeep was ejected during the collision and transported by a Springfield ambulance to an area hospital. Fire officials initially said her condition was unknown.

Springfield police detained the Jeep's driver following the crash. Chicopee police later took custody of the driver in connection with an earlier incident in their city. Police said the Jeep had fled an attempted traffic stop in Chicopee before the collision.

Rescue 1 had been in service for approximately two weeks and was purchased new in 2026 for more than $400,000. Fire officials estimated the ambulance would remain out of service for approximately three months while repairs are completed.