A FIRE engine crashed into a church wall while responding to an emergency call.

One firefighter was injured following the collision in Marchwiel at about 8am yesterday which saw extensive structural damage caused to the boundary wall at the grounds of the historic St Deiniol and St Marcella Church.

An investigation has now been launched to determine how the incident happened.

A spokesman for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said the firefighter sustained “minor” injuries but remained on duty and there were no other vehicles involved in the collision.

The fire engine was responding to a 999 call received at 7.55am at Cross Lanes involving a large fuel spill from a lorry.

A replacement fire engine was dispatched immediately following the crash.

Gary Brandrick, senior operations manager, said: “A full investigation is underway into how the road traffic collision occurred.

“The vehicle did sustain damage and has since been removed from service and replaced by a reserve appliance.”

The Rev David Child, who is the curate of Marchwiel, said the incident had caused considerable damage.

He said: “I was very concerned to hear about the accident. There has been quite considerable structural damage caused but I’m just thankful that no-one was walking along the path at the time.

“We wish the injured fire fighter a speedy and full recovery. All our thoughts and prayers are with the people who work with the fire service.”

Paul Holmes, landlord of the village’s Red Lion pub which is across the road from the accident scene, said: “I was upstairs when I heard a bang.

“I went to see what had happened. There was debris from the wall and equipment from the fire engine had also been strewn.”