Two Houston fire trucks collided at an intersection in the Montrose area while headed to a call last month. A total of 11 people were hurt. Now the mayor is commenting on the crash.
According to hospital officials, the victim, Leigh Boone, 29, passed away Saturday afternoon around 12:10pm after spending two weeks in critical condition. Boone was on her bicycle near Westheimer and Dunlavy when a Houston Fire Department ladder truck collided with an HFD pumper truck. Both trucks were headed to the same call.
The collision forced the ladder truck to roll over on top of Boone as well as an Infiniti sedan. Amazingly, the driver of the Infiniti escaped with minor injuries. Boone suffered intense trauma. Nine firefighters were also injured.
Boone, who was an accomplished photographer, remained at Memorial Hermann Hospital for several days.
Houston Mayor Bill White said he has been following his condition closely.
"I know there was a time when she lost vital signs then regained vital signs. Unfortunately, I've been to visit the hospital too many times while I've been mayor, whether it be public servants or citizens," said Mayor White. "Her family was a strong family who had a lot of faith. On this Easter weekend, I just remind people how blessed we are with the gift of life."
Seven of the nine firefighters injured were treated right after the accident. Brian Edwards, the driver of the pumper truck, was released from the hospital two days ago. At last word, Captain Michael Mayfield, a long-time veteran with HFD, was still hospitalized.
We did get a statement from Boone's uncle, Mark Schon, which read, "She was a beautiful person. This is a horrific loss. It did not need to happen. Racing to fires is not public safety. She will be greatly missed."
We are still waiting for a statement from HFD.
Police say the ladder truck driver caused the crash. Investigators say he ran a red light. Warren Ducote was ticketed for failure to use due caution.
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