On behalf of the Cumberland Fire District, I would like to acknowledge everyone involved in the tragic motor vehicle crash on Interstate 295 in Cumberland on Aug. 20.
First and most importantly, we extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the two individuals who lost their lives. While much has been said about the complexity of the emergency response, we must never lose sight of the tremendous loss experienced by their loved ones.
I also want to recognize the bystanders who stopped and attempted to help before emergency personnel arrived. Faced with a chaotic and dangerous scene, they chose to assist complete strangers. Their compassion and willingness to act deserve our gratitude.
The first-arriving fire and EMS personnel were immediately confronted with an extremely difficult rescue operation that became further complicated by an electric vehicle battery fire.
I am proud of the professionalism and teamwork demonstrated by our firefighters and EMS personnel, as well as the Rhode Island State Police, Cumberland Police Department, and our public safety dispatchers.
I would also like to specifically thank the Lincoln Fire Department for its extrication assistance and suppression efforts, the Woonsocket Fire Department Hazardous Materials Team for its specialized response, and the Plainville, North Smithfield, and Millville Fire Departments for providing tanker resources necessary to establish and maintain the water supply.
This incident demonstrated the importance of cooperation between the public and our public safety partners. To the citizens who stopped to assist and to the dispatchers, police officers, firefighters, EMS providers, hazardous materials personnel, and our mutual aid partners who came together that day, thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and compassion.
Most importantly, our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who lost their lives.
Nicholas R. Anderson
Fire Chief
Cumberland Fire District
