BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — A motorcyclist is dead after colliding with a firetruck at around 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Boynton Beach, according to law enforcement.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office (PBSO), a Boynton Beach Fire Rescue firetruck was approaching the 1325 block of S. Congress Avenue with its emergency lights and siren activated, attempting to make a left turn.
The motorcyclist, identified as Jacob Chalmers, 18, from Boynton Beach, was driving a Vitacci XMT 250 sport bike southbound on S. Congress Avenue as the firetruck continued its left-hand turn directly into the bike's path.
Both the driver and the passenger on the bike were ejected after hitting the rear side of the firetruck.
Chalmers was pronounced dead at the scene, and the passenger was taken to Delray Beach Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.
“We could hear the traffic, the sirens," neighbor Jesse Galdos said. "Our heart goes out to them and we pray for anybody in any accident. For the drivers, especially for the firefighters and their families as well. It’s tragic.”
Galdos lives near the scene and said Congress Avenue is a dangerous roadway.
"I think it's terrible. It's a big problem, especially in this area," shared Galdos. "A lot of people just zooming in and out thinking that it's their own personal expressway.”
Boynton Beach Fire Chief Hugh Bruder released a statement about the investigation:
"Boynton Beach Fire Rescue was involved in a motor vehicle crash last evening while responding to a call. As the fire chief, I would like to extend our deepest condolences to all the families and loved ones affected by this tragedy. In an effort for transparency and impartiality, we support the decision to have PBSO handle the investigation. We ask for patience and respect for all those impacted as we work through this difficult time."
