TSFR Rescue 85 was dispatched to westbound Rte 422 (the West Shore Bypass) for a reported motor vehicle crash on Thursday morning July 3 as part of a mutual assist to West Reading Station 64. The situation was originally reported as two vehicles with at least two injuries and smoke issuing from under the hood one of the vehicles involved.

R85 arrived and found two vehicles against the center concrete barrier, with a car wedged under a pickup truck, and a light standard down across both directional lanes. The crew stabilized the pickup truck with cribbing and removed the roof and passenger door with their rescue tools. Personnel worked with EMS to provide emergency stabilization prior to extrication. Actual patient removal was accomplished out the passenger side of the vehicle. When all tasks were complete, and equipment was secured, R85 was released by command.

Fire Police personnel responded to assist with the massive traffic snarl that affected both the west and east bound lanes of this major artery through Berks County.