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Condition upgraded for victim of firetruck crash

MONTEREY PARK, Calif. (AP) — Only two of the 15 people injured in a crash involving two firetrucks remained hospitalized Thursday, and officials said one truck must have run a red light.

A Monterey Park engine and a ladder truck from neighboring Alhambra were heading to a house fire Wednesday afternoon when they collided at an intersection. The Monterey Park truck was pushed into a Chinese dumpling shop.

One truck was heading east and the other south, meaning only one had the green light, but it's unclear which one, Monterey Park fire Capt. Matt Hallock said.

It's usual policy among police and fire agencies that vehicles running with their lights and siren on still use caution when heading into intersections.

In Monterey Park, "you drive the speed limit" or at a speed that would allow the firetruck to stop, Hallock said.

Fifteen people, including six firefighters, were hurt, but most injuries were minor. Only two remain hospitalized Thursday.

A man who was critically injured had his condition upgraded to critical but stable, Hallock said.

The 51-year-old had head and leg injuries, and some witnesses said he was under the fire engine, California Highway Patrol Officer Doris Peniche told the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

Also hospitalized was the driver of the Monterey Park truck, a nine-year veteran who had moderate injuries, Hallock said.

Other firefighters rushed to help their injured colleagues after the crash, and counselors have been made available for them, Hallock said.

"It's not every day that we perform medical aid on one of our own," Hallock said. "It's very traumatic to work on your own friend or friends."