Investigation launched after two firefighters injured during airport training exercise

Published on 05/10/2012 12:45

AN investigation has been launched after two firefighters were injured when a fire engine toppled over during a training exercise at Edinburgh Airport.

One firefighter suffered fractures to his arm after the engine overturned at around 10.15am yesterday on a stretch of the taxiway.

Police provided an ambulance with an escort to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

A second fireman was also injured in the incident, although after being examined by medics it was discovered his injuries were minor and he did not require hospital treatment.

The engine involved was an operational Viper appliance and belongs to the airport’s own fire service.

Disgruntled passengers took to Twitter after the incident saying it had caused delays.

Sandy Duncan tweeted: “A fire engine has crashed at Edinburgh Airport blocking access to more than half of the gates. We’ve been sent back to the main runway.”

However, airport officials said the incident was not affecting passengers and that the airport remained open. A spokesman said: “I can confirm an incident with one of our fire appliances this morning which saw one fireman taken to hospital with suspected fractures to his arm.

“The incident occurred during operational training and did not in any way impair the operation of the airport or affect our passengers. A full investigation is under way.”

Patrick McGuire, a partner at Thompsons Solicitors and expert in health and safety law, said: “Until a full investigation into the accident is completed, training manoeuvres such as this must be halted at the site.”

A spokeswoman for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said: “HSE are aware of the incident and are awaiting further information.”