ATTLEBORO — Beginning around 5:55 a.m. this morning, the Attleboro Fire Department responded to two highway crashes and a hazardous materials response within a two-hour timespan.
“Attleboro experienced three major incidents occurring within a very short time frame this morning, each requiring significant personnel and resources,” Attleborough’s Assistant Fire Chief Dennis Perkins said. “Our firefighters were able to respond to all three scenes within minutes, establish command, and operate safely and effectively.”
According to a statement from the Attleboro Fire Department, the first incident occurred at approximately 5:55 a.m., when fire crews were dispatched to a master box alarm at a manufacturing facility at 50 Perry Avenue.
When firefighters arrived on scene, they determined that an anhydrous ammonia alarm had been activated at the facility and elevated levels were detected inside the building.
The Massachusetts Hazardous Materials Emergency Response Division (hazmat) was requested for a Tier 1 response. State hazmat technicians confirmed the system was shut down, found no ongoing leaks, and ventilated the affected area until ammonia levels returned to safe limits. Crews remained on scene until about 8:39 a.m., and no injuries were reported.
At approximately 6:26 a.m., Attleboro firefighters were dispatched to Interstate 95 southbound following a report of a rollover crash.
When crews arrived on scene, they located a vehicle about 50 feet in a wooded area of the roadway, with one occupant trapped inside.
Firefighters conducted extrication operations and removed the occupant, who was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
The North Attleborough and Norton fire departments assisted at the scene. Crews cleared the scene around 7:24 a.m. Massachusetts State Police are investigating the crash.
A third incident occurred at about 7:45 a.m. on Interstate 295 northbound, where Attleboro Fire responded to a three-vehicle crash.
When crews arrived on scene, they located one moderately damaged vehicle.
One person was transported by ambulance to Sturdy Memorial Hospital with minor injuries, the Attleboro Fire Department said in its statement.
Firefighters remained on scene for approximately 45 minutes. Massachusetts State Police are investigating the cause of this crash as well.
In its statement, the Attleboro Fire Department thanked its mutual aid partners and all responding agencies for their assistance during the busy morning response.
