Six firefighters have been taken to hospital following a serious collision involving two fire engines in the heart of London. The crash occurred as both emergency vehicles were racing to tackle an incident in Islington.
Emergency Response Ends in Collision
The incident took place at the junction of Farringdon Road and Clerkenwell Road in Farringdon at approximately 10:17 pm on Saturday, 3 January 2026. Both appliances, belonging to the London Fire Brigade, were on blue-light runs to the same emergency call-out in Islington, North London.
Photographs from the scene reveal the significant force of the impact, with both vehicles sustaining major damage. Smashed windscreens and a broken bonnet were clearly visible, highlighting the severity of the crash. The exact circumstances that led to the two trucks colliding are now the subject of a joint probe.
Major Emergency Service Mobilisation
The London Ambulance Service was called to the scene at 10:09 pm, deploying a substantial array of resources to treat the injured crew members. Their response included ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, an incident response officer, and specialists from the Hazardous Area Response Team (HART).
All six firefighters involved were treated at the scene before being transported to hospital for further checks. The London Fire Brigade has not yet disclosed the severity of their injuries, but confirmed all were receiving medical attention.
Investigation Launched into Crash Circumstances
In an official statement, Assistant Commissioner Pat Goulbourne confirmed the details of the collision and the hospitalisation of the crew. He also stated that the original incident in Islington which the engines were attending had been resolved.
A dual investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the crash. Both the London Fire Brigade and the Metropolitan Police Service are examining the events leading up to the collision. The Met Police have been approached for further comment as their inquiries progress.
The incident underscores the inherent risks faced by emergency service personnel even while travelling to calls, navigating busy urban streets under time pressure.
