Firefighters injured as engine crashes into tree
[gallery] Four West Midlands firefighters were taken to hospital after a fire engine smashed into a tree today.
The crash happened as they responded to what turned out to be a false alarm, using blue lights and sirens.
No other vehicles or members of the public were involved in the accident, which happened near the junction of Robin Hood Lane and Highfield Road in Hall Green, Birmingham just before 7.30am.
Immediately after the crash, crews from two other fire engines helped to remove one of their injured colleagues from the vehicle.
All four firemen on the engine, from Highgate fire station, suffered minor injuries.
They were all taken by ambulance to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham for treatment and checks.
One of the firefighters had a leg injury, one had a wrist injury and the other two are thought to have more minor injuries.
Other crews already on their way to the original call established soon afterwards that it was a false alarm.
Councillor John Edwards, chair of the West Midlands Fire Authority, said: "It is really bad news when firefighters get injured and a bit of an occupational hazard.
"We are not sure of the absolute circumstances, there is an inquiry being conducted."
West Midlands Ambulance Service sent two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle. The Midlands Air Ambulance was also called.
