Woman killed as fire engine crashes on call to trapped girl

A woman died after her car collided with a fire engine responding to a 999 call.

The motorist was passing Basildon fire station when her Toyota Yaris was struck shortly before 9am today.

Firefighters gave emergency aid but the 39-year-old woman died at the scene.

The fire crew were responding to another crash where an 11-year-old girl was trapped in a vehicle.

Mark Wilson, senior divisional officer with Essex County Fire & Rescue, said: "We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the family of the woman involved in this terrible accident.

"Although full and thorough investigations will be carried out by both the police and fire service, it is important to remember today that this family is suffering a tragic loss and all of our thoughts are with them. We will offer them our support in any way it is needed.

"Members of the crew, although unhurt, are extremely distressed and shaken by this tragic incident.

"They were responding to an emergency call to save a child trapped in another incident nearby - saving life is what they do every day so to be directly involved in an accident with such serious consequences deeply affects all of us."

The 11-year-old girl was rescued by another crew and taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries.