A crash involving a Wareham fire truck and two cars sent several people to the hospital, and temporarily shut down Rte 28 at the 195 overpass around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8. 

After investigating, Wareham Police have now determined what likely caused the accident. 

Officer Christopher Smith has determined that a car traveling north on Cranberry Highway failed to stop at a red light. A vehicle exiting Route 195 pulled out on a green light and struck the car that failed to stop.The vehicle that failed to stop then traveled across the median and hit the south bound fire engine head on. 

As part of his investigation, Smith has summoned Kimberly Page, 32, of West Wareham, for operating under the influence, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to stop at a red light. 

As a result of the accident, multiple people were sent to the hospital with serious, but non life-threatening injuries. Three firefighters on the engine were also sent to the hospital with minor injuries. 

Wareham Fire Chief Matt Rowley said that all three of the injured firefighters have been released from the hospital, as of Thursday afternoon. He said that the fire truck was seriously damaged, and is scheduled to be sent to its manufacturer on Friday, July 10 for an evaluation. It is not yet clear whether the truck is salvageable. 

Rowley added that he is “extremely proud” of how the firefighters handled themselves after the accident. He said that they immediately got out of the damaged fire truck, and helped others who were injured in the accident. 

According to police the driver of the fire engine was lawfully proceeding during the time of the accident. Rowley said that the firefighters were returning from a call regarding a fire alarm at Wendy’s when they were struck by the other driver.