Roachdale Fire Chief injured while en route to auto accident

When a motor vehicle accident was reported Monday evening, Roachdale Fire Chief Mike Poole was one of several units en route when his vehicle collided with that of a high school student in front of North Putnam High School.

The incident left Poole and his wife, who was a passenger in the 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe, with minor injuries.

The student, driving a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer, refused medical treatment and had no visible injuries, although both vehicles were totaled.

Poole had activated the vehicle's lights and sirens while on his way to the accident at the intersection of U.S. 36 and County Road 300 East around 5:30 p.m.

On his way to that scene, Poole approached the Trailblazer from behind, both southbound, when the student made a left turn that Poole hadn't expected.

Upon impact, the student's vehicle was sent into a grassy area where "it spun around once or twice," according to investigating officer Mike Mahoy.

Diane Poole was a passenger in the vehicle with Mike and both were taken to the hospital by their son after the incident, with Mike bleeding from his nose and Diane complaining of breathing problems and chest pain from the seat belt.

"They hit pretty hard," Mahoy said.

Both have been released and are recuperating from their injuries.

The Roachdale Volunteer Fire Department vehicle was purchased at a cost of $1 from a fire department in Terre Haute.

Mahoy was unable to comment on behalf of the fire department on whether or not they will seek a replacement vehicle.