This photo from the Rimkus investigative report shows the damaged ladder truck.
GAINESVILLE - Separate investigations into the collapse of a ladder truck that injured three Hall County firefighters in July indicate Hall County was not at fault in the incident.<br />
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According to documents obtained by AccessNorthGA.com in an Open Records Request, the investigation conducted by Hall County Administration and Risk Management found no evidence anyone with Hall County had any prior knowledge of equipment failures involving the ladder truck, which was purchased from an Ohio company in April 2014. The vehicle was a refurbished ladder truck from the Sutphen Corporation.<br />
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In addition, a report from Rimkus Consulting Group, Inc. of Atlanta, a firm hired by ACCG, the county's workers compensation provider, showed no evidence of improper inspection or maintenance of the ladder truck by Hall County fire personnel.<br />
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Rimkus, in its 62-page report, concluded that the July 22 incident occurred when both extension cables connection ladder sections 1 and 3 on the vehicle failed. As a result, three firefighters training on the apparatus fell more than 100 feet, suffering critical injuries.<br />
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<b>Sutphen repurchases faulty truck</b><br />
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A compromise settlement agreement signed by Hall County and the Sutphen Corporation in late October indicated Sutphen will repurchase the faulty vehicle for $505,000. Sutphen will retrieve the ladder truck from the county. according to the document.<br />
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The document also included a confidentiality clause prohibiting either entity from publicly discussing the settlement.<br />
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In a summary document issued by Hall County authorities, officials said the National Highway Safety Transportation Authority (NHSTA) has not provided a report following its investigation; there is no word on a date when that report might be issued.<br />
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