Ingalls Firefighters Recovering After Fiery Payne County Crash

Ingalls Firefighters Recovering After Fiery Tanker Crash In Payne County

Two Ingalls firefighters are recovering after a catastrophic tire blowout caused their fire tanker to crash, roll into a ravine and catch fire while returning from a mutual aid call in Payne County.

Josh Contreras and Jace Wilson, both members of the Ingalls Fire Department, were injured Thursday afternoon after their emergency vehicle suffered a front tire blowout on State Highway 51 near West Point Road. Thanks to the quick actions of Good Samaritans and fellow first responders, both firefighters were rescued from the wreckage and are now reported to be in non-critical condition.

Ingalls Firefighters Injured In Highway 51 Crash

According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the firefighters were traveling westbound after assisting the Yale Fire Department with a grass fire when the tanker experienced a catastrophic failure of its front steering tire.

The blowout caused the heavy emergency vehicle to cross into the eastbound lanes of State Highway 51, crash through a guardrail and roll multiple times down a steep embankment before coming to rest in a wooded ravine.

The tanker caught fire after the crash and was declared a total loss.

Witnesses immediately stopped to help, with Good Samaritans pulling one firefighter from the burning vehicle before emergency crews arrived. The Stillwater Fire Department then rescued the second trapped firefighter and extinguished the fire.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues investigating the crash. More information about Oklahoma traffic investigations is available through the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.

Ingalls Firefighters Expected To Recover

Both firefighters were initially reported to be in critical condition, but officials later confirmed their conditions had improved.

Josh Contreras was transported by ground ambulance to a Level I trauma center in Tulsa, where doctors determined he suffered a broken back. Despite the serious injury, he has since been upgraded to non-critical condition.

Jace Wilson was flown by air ambulance to Tulsa after suffering significant road rash to his face and arms. Medical evaluations found he did not sustain any broken bones, and he is also expected to recover.

Officials credited the rapid response of passing motorists, firefighters and emergency medical crews with helping save both men's lives following the violent rollover crash.

Information about emergency medical services in Oklahoma is available through the Oklahoma State Department of Health EMS Division.

Investigation Continues Into Tire Blowout

Investigators are continuing to examine what caused the apparent mechanical failure that led to the crash.

While the exact cause has not yet been determined, officials note that prolonged periods of extreme Oklahoma summer heat can increase stress on heavy-duty tires, particularly those used on emergency response vehicles that routinely carry thousands of gallons of water and equipment.

The Ingalls Fire Department had been returning from providing mutual aid to neighboring firefighters when the crash occurred, underscoring the risks volunteer and rural firefighters face while responding to emergencies across Oklahoma.

As the investigation continues, communities across Payne County and neighboring departments have rallied around the injured firefighters, offering prayers and support as both men begin what is expected to be a lengthy recovery. Authorities say the incident also serves as a reminder of the dangers first responders face—not only while fighting fires, but while traveling to and from emergency calls. Additional crash information will be released as the investigation progresses through the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety.

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