On the morning of July 21, 2024, at approximately 5:50 AM, Dallas Fire Rescue (DFR) was dispatched to a possible structure fire on Swiss Avenue. During the response, a DFR fire engine hydroplaned on the wet roadway, lost control, and fell off the southbound Central Expressway (Interstate 345) bridge onto the DART rail tracks below.

Engine 11, the vehicle involved in the accident, veered off the bridge due to the slippery conditions caused by early morning rain. Following the incident, Engine 18, also responding to the fire, called a Mayday and requested a full Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) response to extricate the crew trapped in the fallen engine.

Four DFR firefighters were successfully extricated and transported to Baylor Dallas Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Despite the severity of the accident, no other vehicles were involved in the collision.

The crash also caused significant damage to a large highway sign, which blocked all southbound lanes of Interstate 345 in the area. Heavy-duty wreckers are currently working to clear the debris and remove the damaged fire engine. Motorists are advised to expect delays and seek alternative routes while cleanup and repair efforts are underway.

Dallas Fire Rescue and local authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the hydroplaning and to prevent future occurrences.