Death crash fireman found guilty

Mr McIntosh's Ford Escort was hit by the fire truck in May 2007

A firefighter has been found guilty of careless driving following the death of a man whose car was struck by a fire truck answering a 999 call.

Garry Trotter, 41, from Bo'ness, was convicted at Falkirk Sheriff Court of running a red light at speed and failing to give way.

The fire engine hit a car being driven by John McIntosh in Bo'ness last May.

Trotter, who has been a firefighter for 17 years, was given six penalty points and fined £750.

The vehicle, which was carrying four other firefighters, hit Mr McIntosh's car at a traffic light-controlled junction at Linlithgow Road and Dean Road in Bo'ness.

The speed limit on the road is 30mph.

During the three-day trial, the court heard that police tests found the fire engine was travelling at 37mph when it braked and hit Mr McIntosh's Ford Escort.

He was crossing the junction after the lights had turned green when he was struck by the fire appliance, which had flashing blue lights and was sounding its siren.

Firefighters have a duty to save life and serve the public, that was what the crew of the fire engine involved were doing on the day of this incident Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service

Mr McIntosh, who had held a driving licence since 1995, was born deaf and would have been unlikely to have heard the fire engine's sirens.

The 51-year-old was taken to Stirling Royal Infirmary, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The court had heard from Central Scotland Police traffic officer Craig Stewart, who said it was legal for emergency vehicles to run a red light provided it was treated as a give way.

He said there was a "zone of invisibility" at the junction caused by trees and bushes which blocked drivers' vision.

Fiscal depute Linda Cockburn asked: "Did you find anything that indicated that Mr Trotter gave way at that junction?"

PC Stewart replied: "Not at all. He would have had to slow down drastically."

Sole blame

He said his investigations of the accident made him conclude: "It would be playing Russian Roulette going through that area at 37mph with that zone of invisibility."

In sentencing the firefighter, Sheriff David Hall said: "The crown evidence was significant and showed that you were travelling above the speed limit and did not give way as the statute says you must.

"These events will remain with you for the rest of your life.

"No blame can be attached to Mr McIntosh - the sole blame falls on you.

"In this case I cannot take into account the consequences of your act and the penalties are restricted - I could not send you to prison even if I wanted to."

'Tragic event'

Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service said there were lessons to be learned from the tragedy.

"First and foremost our thoughts are with Mr McIntosh's family, who have suffered a tragic loss as a result of this incident.

"Firefighters have a duty to save life and serve the public, that was what the crew of the fire engine involved were doing on the day of this incident.

"Despite having suffered the trauma of being involved in the collision, firefighters made every effort to rescue Mr McIntosh from his car. Sadly, he died on the way to hospital.

"The service assesses and trains drivers to the highest standards and will always seek to improve in all areas of professional development. As ever, we will learn from this tragic event."