FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
North East, PA — On Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 1:08 p.m., the North East Fire Department and East Erie County EMS were dispatched to a reported vehicle accident on Interstate 90 westbound near mile marker 37. Initial responding units included Chief 210 (Kelley), Rescue Engine 204, Rescue 208, Squad 217, Echo 2, and Fireplace 20-04. Crews located the incident at mile marker 35 near Depot Road, where two passenger vehicles and a semi-tractor trailer were involved in a collision. One patient required transport to the hospital.
At approximately 1:37 p.m., Erie County 911 received reports of an additional multi-vehicle accident east of the initial scene. Responding crews observed no traffic flow from east to west and immediately redirected resources to the developing incident. Chief 210 reported a multi-vehicle collision with multiple patients, prompting the request for additional fire, EMS, and support resources.
Rescue Engine 204 identified a patient trapped within a vehicle and placed HOLMATRO hydraulic rescue tools into service to remove the driver’s door, allowing for patient access and extrication. Patient care was transferred to East Erie County EMS for transport.
A unified command structure was established with the following assignments:
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Chief 210 (Kelley) — Initial Incident Command
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Chief 200 (DiOrazio) — Incident Command
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Fuller Captain 20C4 (Skrekla) — Rescue Operations
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Crescent Lieutenant L8 (Crispen) — Medical Operations
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Fairfield Chief 270 (Hawryliw) — Staging
As the incident expanded, the Erie County 911 Center coordinated the dispatch of additional units and resources. Multiple patients were transported to area hospitals. For responder and public safety, Interstate 90 westbound was closed from the New York/Pennsylvania state line to Harborcreek.
At approximately 2:07 p.m., Erie County 911 reported yet another vehicle accident westbound near mile marker 37 involving entrapment. Additional resources were deployed and encountered a heavily entrapped driver who required an extended extrication prior to transport.
Command operations concluded at 4:40 p.m. Interstate 90 remained closed westbound following termination of command to allow for continued roadway management and recovery operations.
This incident operated under a unified command involving multiple agencies, including Pennsylvania State Police, PennDOT, Erie County 911, fire and EMS agencies, and towing companies. Uninjured motorists whose vehicles were not drivable were safely removed from the interstate using school buses provided by the Harborcreek School District. Individuals were transported to the Travel Centers of America or to a warming shelter at the Fairfield Fire Station on East Lake Road. Harborcreek Township also provided a snowplow to assist with operations.
First responders worked under extremely hazardous conditions, including near-whiteout visibility, blowing snow, bitter cold temperatures, and the ongoing danger posed by interstate traffic. Despite these challenges, crews maintained a strong focus on patient care, scene safety, and coordinated operations throughout the incident.
The Erie County Department of Public Safety (EC911) served as the central hub for communications, managing incoming information from callers, relaying critical updates to command, and coordinating resources countywide. The successful management of this complex, rapidly evolving emergency was made possible through the combined efforts of numerous partners, including Fuller Hose, Crescent Hose, Fairfield Fire, Harborcreek Fire, Greenfield Fire, Kuhl Hose Fire, Brookside Fire, Union City Fire, Millcreek Paramedics, Millcreek Township Fire, Lawrence Park Fire Department, EmergyCare, and East County EMS. Ambulance services were provided by EmergyCare, Union City, Chautauqua County, Findley Lake, Ripley, Westfield, Kuhl Hose, Crescent, and Millcreek Paramedic Service.
This incident underscores the importance of preparedness, training, clear communication, and inter-agency cooperation in protecting lives during large-scale emergencies. The coordinated response demonstrated a continued commitment to life safety by all agencies involved.
About Fuller Hose Company #1
Founded in 1885, Fuller Hose Company #1 is a 100% volunteer fire company serving North East Borough and surrounding areas, dedicated to protecting life, property, and the community through emergency response, training, and public service.
Media Requests to:
fullerhoseco1@yahoo.com
Images shown from:
West County On Scene, Erie Weather Now, Fuller Hose Company #1, Crescent Hose Company #2, Greenfield Township VFD
