Cross Towing removes a vehicle struck by a Commuter Rail Train
No injuries were reported after a disabled SUV was struck by an express train at the Prides Train Crossing on Hale St. The accident occurred around 840 PM on November 26, 2007. The occupant of the vehicle got out of the car recognizing the gravity of the situation and could only watch as a train carrying more than 100 passengers slammed into his vehicle as it traveled down the tracks. The accident is being investigated by MBCR police.
Firefighter Brad Saunders and Lt. Eric Fowler approach for their initial attack on the fire
Dumpster Fire
At 1453 on November 13, the Beverly Fire Department responded to a report of a dumpster fire at 416 Cabot St. Captain James Maggiacomo was the first to arrive finding a fire in a dumpster at the rear of the building. The dumpster was situated approximately 1 foot away from a loading dock area and 2, 150 gallon propane tanks. He radioed his findings to Engine 1 and secured the scene until they got there.
The crew of Engine 1, led by Lt. Eric Fowler arrived and stretched 50 feet of hose and attacked the fire which had now burned through the plastic dumpster covers. Firefighter Brad Saunders used the hoseline to douse the fire and soak the contents of the dumpster with approximately 700 gallons of water.
No cause was immediately found, but security cameras on site will be reviewed. Although the propane tanks were in close proximity to the dumpster, the fire was brought under control before they could become a threat to anyone in the area. Crews cleared the scene at 1519.
Dive Recovery
At 2223 PM on November 6, five divers with the Beverly Fire Department Dive Rescue Team responded to Round Lake in Hamilton. The response was requested by the Hamilton Fire Department after a man’s partially submerged canoe was located in the lake by firefighters performing a surface search. Upon arrival, the Beverly divers surveyed the area and made the determination to enter the water and search the area around and under the canoe. Those searches turned up fishing equipment and other items from the canoe, but nothing else.
Due to the hazards of diving in the murky water at night and information that the man may have been in the water for longer than a day, firefighters terminated the operation after the first search in favor of returning the following morning to dive under safer conditions. The night operation ceased at approximately 0130 Wednesday morning.
At 0719 on November 7, the Dive Team returned to the site to conduct a more extensive search of the area. Three teams of divers conducted a methodical search of an area of concern that covered approximately 10000 square feet. As they navigated the area in silt and darkness with their hands, one of the teams discovered the body of the missing man in roughly 10 feet of 45 degree water. After consulting with the State Police, the victim was removed from the water and brought ashore.
All Beverly Fire Department resources were clear of the scene by 1130 AM. The Beverly Fire Department frequently trains in waters of surrounding communities to prepare for such incidents.
