False alarm leads to fatal crash

A caller had reported a fire in the town

An investigation is under way into a fatal road collision between a car and a fire engine answering a false alarm.

Terence Pateman, 48, was killed when his Metro car collided with the engine answering an emergency call in Brigg Road, Scunthorpe, on Tuesday night.

On Wednesday, Humberside Fire and Rescue Service said a second crew arriving at the scene of the alleged fire which sparked the initial call found nothing.

But although the emergency call was initially believed to be a hoax, the fire service believe a member of the public genuinely thought a fire was under way.

Divisional Officer Paul Dent, of Humberside Fire and Rescue Service, said the accident happened shortly after the engine left its base at 1810 BST.

Accident investigation

He said no firefighters were injured, but all had suffered shock and some had been given counselling.

He added: "Of course we go to a lot of road accidents and although these do affect you it's very different when you are actually involved in the incident yourself."

The fire engine driver, a 44-year-old man, is believed to have suffered from severe shock.

Mr Dent said the crew were able to give some assistance at the scene but another fire appliance was sent to help.

Both Humberside Police and the fire service are investigating the circumstances of the tragedy.