Vehicle collides with ambulance

Three men were injured in a traffic accident this morning that also caused $15,000 in damage to an ambulance.

A Florida Highway Patrol report states that at 10:43 a.m., this morning, a pickup truck driven by David Roberts, 40, of Bradenton, was heading eastbound on State Road 70 when it failed to yield to an ambulance that was entering the intersection of S.R. 70 and Lorraine Road from the north.

The ambulance was responding to a 911 call and had entered the intersection with lights flashing when it collided with the truck, said Capt. Larry Leinhauser, spokesperson for Manatee County Public Safety. Both vehicles were totaled.

Ambulance driver John Mackin, 50, was taken to Lakewood Ranch Medical Center with minor injuries.

EMS worker Simon Warner of Bradenton, the passenger in the ambulance, was taken to Bayfront Medical Center in serious condition, as was Roberts. Both men suffered head injuries and are said to be in stable condition at this time, Leinhauser said.

FHP spokesperson Lt. Chris Miller said an investigation is underway. Charges against Roberts for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle, which is considered a traffic infraction, are pending.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].