Special Olympics Athlete Killed in FDNY Truck Crash

An accident involving a fire truck from Ladder 81 in Staten Island lead to the death of former Special Olympics athlete Eric Perry, 51, and left 14 others injured.
Special Olympics Athlete Killed in FDNY Truck Crash
3/10/2011
Updated:
3/11/2011
NEW YORK—An accident involving a fire truck from Ladder 81 in Staten Island led to the death of former Special Olympics athlete Eric Perry, 51, and left 14 others injured.

The firefighters were responding to a call regarding a car fire on Lily Pond Avenue. On the way to the scene of the fire, on the intersection of Richmond Road and Burgher Avenue, the fire truck hit a van carrying disabled people.

The Fire Department said it is still investigating the circumstances of the accident.

Nine civilians were injured in the van. They were taken to the Staten Island University Hospital. Three of them, including Perry, sustained critical injuries. Perry subsequently died at the hospital.

Six fire fighters sustained minor injuries. They were also sent to the hospital.