SWANSEA, Mass. — Quick thinking and rapid technical stabilization by local fire crews prevented a potential structural collapse Saturday afternoon after a pickup truck crashed directly into a residential porch and foundation on GAR Highway.
At approximately 4:30 p.m., crews from Rescue 1 (R1) and Engine 4 (E4) of the Swansea Fire Dept responded to the emergency scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found a pickup truck embedded against the front porch and foundation of the home, leaving the porch roof severely compromised.
Recognizing the immediate hazard to the structure and any potential occupants, R1 and E4 personnel went straight to work. Crews conducted rigorous technical stabilization, skillfully assembling custom cribbing and vertical shoring to support the damaged roof and restore critical structural integrity to the building.
No serious injuries or further structural failures were reported as a result of the prompt and professional intervention by the Swansea Fire Department.
A local driver was arrested for operating under the influence after crashing his pickup truck into a home on Route 6 Saturday afternoon, according to police.
At approximately 4:29 p.m., emergency crews responded to 1228 Grand Army of the Republic Highway after a gray Toyota Tacoma left the roadway and struck a house’s porch and foundation. The driver, identified as 45-year-old Douglas McLane of Swansea, was removed from the vehicle due to concerns over a gas leak and transported to the hospital.
No one was inside the residence at the time, though a dog was safely retrieved by the homeowners. Firefighters stabilized the severely compromised porch roof with temporary shoring, and Liberty Utilities responded to address the gas leak. McLane now faces charges including OUI and negligent operation.
