Firefighters in Round Lake escaped injury after an SUV crashed into a local fire station early Monday morning, causing minor structural damage but leaving operations unaffected.
According to the Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District, the incident occurred shortly before 6:30 a.m. at Station 1, located on West Nippersink Road. An orange Kia SUV veered off the roadway and struck decorative planters positioned outside the building before continuing into the front of the station.
Officials described the incident as unusual and expressed relief that no firefighters or civilians were hurt in the crash.
Vehicle Ploughs Through Decorative Barriers
Images released by the fire district showed the SUV embedded in the front of the building after colliding with the station’s exterior. The vehicle first struck a series of decorative planters designed to separate the building from the road, but the barriers were unable to stop the SUV from reaching the structure.
The force of the impact caused damage to the station’s front area, although authorities said the building suffered only minor damage overall.
No injuries were reported among the occupants of the vehicle or among personnel inside the fire station at the time of the collision.
Fire Station Remains Fully Operational
Despite the crash, officials confirmed that emergency services from Station 1 have continued without interruption. The district said crews remain available to respond to calls and that the damage has not affected day-to-day operations.
In a statement, the Greater Round Lake Fire Protection District thanked the community and highlighted the fortunate outcome of the incident.
“Please remember to drive safely and stay alert while traveling through our communities. Thankfully no injuries were reported, and Station 1 remains fully operational,” the department said.
The district added that the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable situations emergency personnel can face, even when they are not actively responding to calls.
Police Investigating Cause of Crash
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the SUV to leave the roadway. The Round Lake Police Department is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
No information has been released regarding possible contributing factors or whether any citations have been issued.
While crashes involving vehicles striking buildings are uncommon, officials noted that the outcome could have been far worse had firefighters or members of the public been standing near the entrance when the SUV crashed into the station.
The incident ended without injuries and with only limited damage to the building, allowing the fire district to continue serving residents without disruption. Investigators are expected to review the circumstances of the crash as they work to establish exactly what led to the vehicle leaving the road.