A Cleveland fire truck was hit by a vehicle on I-480 westbound right before the State Road exit overnight, according to Cleveland Fire Lt. Mike Norman.
Norman said crews were already on the scene doing an extrication for a car crash. One of the ladder trucks, Tower 20, was blocking part of the highway from the scene.
A 16-year-old driver then struck the truck, which resulted in the teen's car being totaled in the crash.
"I'm told that there were no skid marks, but it appears that this person just drove directly into the ladder," Norman said, mentioning the ongoing issue of distracted drivers.
The teen was extricated from his vehicle and taken to the hospital in serious condition.
"The highway is one of the most dangerous places where we work," Norman said.
A 65-year-old man was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.
No firefighters were injured, but the truck was badly damaged.
"Those tower ladders are about $1.5 million to purchase," said Norman. "They're very expensive."
Norman said it was the largest of the four tower ladders the department uses in the city, and the extent of damage is still being determined.
The interstate was shut down overnight while crews cleaned up the scene.
Last year, we took a ride with Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers to see how prevalent distracted drivers are and the enforcement measures they are taking. Watch:
RELATED: 1 year since distracted driving enforcement began, we ride along and see if it's working
