An privately owned antique Brookdale firetruck lost its brakes coming down a steep hill on Larkspur Road in Brookdale on Monday, Sept. 11,, failed to negotiate a turn and slammed into a corner of the bridge across the San Lorenzo River.
A redwood tree prevented the 1970s-era rig from plummeting 20 feet into the San Lorenzo River in the accident, which occurred about 6:20 p.m.
The truck landed on and broke a water main, which complicated removal efforts.
While a San Lorenzo Valley District crew attempted to plug the broken main, Highway Patrol officers were trying to determine if the bridge was strong enough to handle the large lift-and-two truck waiting on Highway 9, less than a quarter-mile away.
A portion of the cab of the old truck, with a Brookdale Fire Department logo on its door, hung over the edge of the bridge as water from the broken main roared under the truck. The front axle was broken.
The driver was not injured in the wreck.
The owner of the truck. who declined to identify himself, said the truck lost its brakes coming down a steep grade east of the bridge.
Neighbors said they saw the Highway Patrol escorting a handcuffed driver of the truck to a patrol car. The Highway Patrol had not released any information, as of 9 p.m. Monday.
