Two people have died following a devastating crash involving a fire truck in Kentucky, while two others remain hospitalized.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The collision happened at around 2:19 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 11, on the southbound lanes of Interstate 75 near mile marker 141.
Emergency crews had been responding to an earlier crash with reported injuries when a vehicle struck the rear of a parked fire engine.
The occupants of the vehicle suffered severe injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Fire Engine Crash in Kentucky Leaves Two Dead
Authorities later confirmed that the driver and front-seat passenger died from their injuries.
They have been identified as Darren Paul Nelson, 61, and Shauna Colleen Nelson, 62, of Knoxville, Tennessee.
The couple were reportedly traveling home when the fatal crash occurred.
Two passengers who were sitting in the back seat survived the collision and remain in stable condition after being transported to a local hospital.
"No first responders were injured," the Scott County Sheriff's Office said. "Traffic will be impacted for several hours including multiple lane closures."
The Scott County Fire Department said three firefighters were inside the truck when it was struck.
All three were taken to hospital as a precaution before later being released.
Investigation Underway Into Fatal Collision
Kentucky State Police Post 12 is leading the investigation into the crash. Officials are expected to release further details as the inquiry continues.
According to Lex18, the fire engine had been parked on the left emergency shoulder to provide traffic control at the earlier incident.
Authorities said the vehicle then "lost control" before crashing into the fire engine, which had its emergency lights activated and was occupied at the time.
The firefighters were transported to Centerpoint Health Hospital in Georgetown, where they received treatment for minor injuries before being discharged.
Meanwhile, authorities have taken the bodies of Darren and Shauna Nelson to Frankfort for autopsies.
A GoFundMe fundraiser has since been launched to help cover transportation and funeral expenses for the family.
Less than 24 hours after it was created, the fundraiser had already raised around $12,000 toward its $20,000 goal.
