09/14/2026
LORENA, TX (September 12, 2026) – At approximately 4:25 a.m. this morning, Lorena Fire Department crews were dispatched to a reported motor vehicle accident on southbound Interstate 35 near mile marker 320. While crews were operating at the scene, a secondary crash occurred north of the original incident.
As firefighters responded to and began working the second crash, Lorena Fire apparatus were positioned to protect responders and motorists by blocking the affected travel lanes, along with an additional lane to provide a safety buffer.
While operating in this configuration, a motorist struck Lorena Fire Department Engine 2, which had been specifically positioned as a blocking apparatus to protect personnel working on the roadway.
Fortunately, no firefighters or other responders were injured. The positioning of the apparatus, along with continued training in roadway and traffic incident safety, provided a critical layer of protection between responders and approaching traffic.
Across the three separate crashes, those involved were either transported with minor injuries or evaluated and declined transportation.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash involving Engine 2.
This incident serves as an important reminder of the dangers first responders face while operating on our roadways. When approaching emergency vehicles, motorists should slow down, move over, remain alert, and give responders the space they need to work safely.
As of this release, all southbound lanes of Interstate 35 have reopened.
