A Newton firefighter was seriously injured while responding to a dumpster fire between Medeiros Hall and CLFX early Tuesday morning.
The Medeiros Hall fire alarm sounded as smoke rose behind the residence hall and popping, firecracker-like sounds echoed throughout Upper Campus.
The firefighter suffered a broken arm as well as head trauma and was transported to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center for treatment. The injuries are non life threatening.
The Boston College Police Department sent the Newton Fire Department to extinguish the blaze.
While the fire truck was powering the pumps,
the vehicle lurched forward, running over the injured firefighter. The truck broke through the fence bordering the edge of Upper Campus.
An assistant chief of the Newton Fire Department said the cause of the accident was "this damn equipment we have."
The AP reported that the truck accidently slipped into gear.
The BCPD responded to the scene earlier in the evening. According to the officer on scene, students were burning books and papers in the dumpster.
Heavy towing equipment arrived on scene but left soon afterward.
Loud popping noises were heard intermittently as the fire was extinguished, leaving only a singed dumpster.
Other firefighters were treated by medics on the scene for smoke inhalation.
"Boston College Police are investigating the incident. At this time we have no further details and on behalf of the entire University community our thoughts and prayers go out to the Newton Firefighter who was injured in the performance of his duties," said University spokesman Jack Dunn.
Stay tuned to BCHeights.com for more information as the story continues to unfold.
Spring Break
