Guam - Already faced with a critical shortage of ambulances, the Guam Fire Department fleet was reduced by another vehicle involved in a crash in Harmon. The intersection of Harmon Loop Road and Route 16 Thursday morning was quite busy after an ambulance it was hit by a Toyota Camry that eyewitnesses say failed to yield.  

GPD Spokesperson Officer A.J. Balajadia told KUAM News, "The ambulance was headed towards the Micronesia Mall on Route 16 on the inner lane, and the white vehicle was coming out of Harmon Loop Road headed into Harmon when the accident took place." GFD spokesman Lieutenant Phil Camacho added, "What is believed is that another drive failed to yield to the ambulance and struck the ambulance, but it's still under investigation by GPD, that's just what we heard from some bystanders."  

Camacho explained that the ambulance was heading to Public Health in Dededo in response to a report of a sick person who needed to be taken to GMH. Instead, the two firefighters who were inside the ambulance had to be transported to GMH as a result of the crash. One of the fire fighters experienced pain in his neck and spine, while the other had cuts on his hands.

The Toyota had severe damage to its front, while the ambulance's right rear tire flew off, and the windshield was shattered to pieces. Traffic was closed to all but one lane in all directions as Guam Police and emergency responders were on the scene investigating and clearing the site.

"You have Dededo Precinct as well as Tamuning Precinct trying to reroute traffic best they can through the parking lots," Officer Balajadia noted.

GPD Highway Patrol officers were also activated to determine exactly what transpired, despite witness accounts to media. Said Balajadia, "They'll look at all of those as factors in determining what actually took place, they'll look into whether or not the ambulance was responding to an emergency. It is reported to me that they were responding to a sick person, and they will determine whether or not the lights were working as well as whether or not other vehicle did yield to the emergency vehicle."

This incident has now left GFD with only three available medics for the island. Camacho says the department will determine if the unit involved in the accident is salvageable or if they will use parts to repair others.