UPDATE: Memphis Fire Department driver David Pleasant died after a crash Wednesday night, according to officials.
“Our hearts are heavy as we lift up prayers for his family, friends, and Memphis Fire Department brothers and sisters,” MFD Fire Chief Gina Y. Sweat said in a statement Thursday.“David was extremely passionate about his role as a driver for the Memphis Fire Department, and he loved to help people and serve our community. Driver Pleasant began his career with the Division of Fire Services on July 9th, 1990, and faithfully serve for 32 years. His legacy will remain in our hearts for years to come,” Sweat said.
“Last night was a somber reminder of the daily dangers our Fire and EMS personnel face as they serve the Memphis community,” the department said. “Memphis Fire Truck 5 was invovled in a in a motor vehicle collision while responding to a residential house fire. Three of our members were treated and released from the hospital; however, Driver David Pleasant, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries.”
MEDIA RELEASE: Driver David Pleasant pic.twitter.com/gdO8rEUCsS
— Memphis Fire Department (@MEM_Fire) August 11, 2022
Edward A. Kelly, the general president of the International Association of Fire Fighters, paid tribute to Pleasant on Twitter.
“We woke today to learn our brother, David Pleasant, died last night and three other @mffa1784 members were injured in a crash. #IAFF56th started today with Memphis delegates sharing a story of David’s leadership,” Kelly said.We woke today to learn our brother, David Pleasant, died last night and three other @mffa1784 members were injured in a crash. #IAFF56th started today with Memphis delegates sharing a story of David's leadership. Our hearts are with his family this morning. pic.twitter.com/SiAYJETRlW
— Edward A. Kelly (@IAFFPresident) August 11, 2022
“Our hearts are with his family this morning,” he added.
UPDATE: A Memphis fire engine and a truck collided at E.H. Crump and Danny Thomas Blvd, killing a firefighter and leaving four others fighting for their life.
Video from the scene shows a badly damaged truck and the fire truck turned over on its side. Eyewitnesses tell WMC5 that the truck driver ran a red light.
All the victims were rushed to Regional One Hospital.
Listen to “Wake Up Memphis with Tim Van Horn” starting at 6 a.m. for up-to-the-minute updates.
BREAKING: Five people are in critical condition including four firefighters after a crash in South Memphis.
We’re told a truck collided with a fire engine at the intersection of Crump & Wellington at 8:19.
I’ll have a live report from the scene at 10. @3onyourside pic.twitter.com/JyJ1dHdG4z
— Bria Jones FOX6 (@BriaJonesTV) August 11, 2022
Horrible accident here at Crump & Wellington involving a civilian truck and a @MEM_Fire truck.
Multiple injuries, including 4 firefighters.
This intersection is blocked in all directions as @MEM_PoliceDept investigate what happened.
Live report NEXT on @WMCActionNews5 at 10. pic.twitter.com/DG1ur6Vmqh
— Joyce Peterson (@MemphoNewsLady) August 11, 2022
