Fatal Accident Involving West Sacramento Fire Department Truck; Victim Identified as Glenn Start, 49 Years Old
On Friday, October 18, 2024, a tragic incident in West Sacramento claimed the life of 49-year-old Glenn Start and left another individual, Katie Petrina Mota, hospitalized in serious condition. The Yolo County Coroner’s Office confirmed Start’s identity on Monday, following the accident that has sent shockwaves through the local community. The event underscores the vulnerabilities faced by individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as the critical need for improved safety measures in urban environments.
The accident unfolded around the 500 block of Jefferson Boulevard, where firefighters were operating a “brush rig” — a type of fire truck designed specifically for off-road terrain. According to reports, the truck inadvertently ran over a carpet lying on the ground, which obscured Start and Mota from view. Emergency responders arrived on the scene, but Start was pronounced dead at the location, while Mota was swiftly transported to UC Davis Medical Center, where she remains in serious condition.
West Sacramento Fire Chief Steve Binns expressed deep sorrow regarding the incident, acknowledging the emotional toll it has taken on the fire department and the community. "We are grieved any time that an emergency response results in a death or injury of someone we are sworn to assist," Chief Binns stated. The West Sacramento Fire Department is currently cooperating with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) as investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Mota’s family has been left in a state of shock and confusion, seeking answers about what transpired. Her son, Jerry Delgado, has voiced frustration over the lack of clear information from officials. He emphasized the ongoing struggles his mother has faced, particularly with homelessness. "I want to know what happened. My family wants to know what happened," Delgado shared. The emotional strain of uncertainty adds to the already devastating impact of the accident on Mota’s family.
This incident has sparked important discussions about the inherent risks faced by unhoused individuals, who often find themselves in precarious situations. Rudolph John Kraintz, a representative from Safe Ground Sacramento, highlighted the urgent need for designated safe spaces for those without stable housing. “Using vacant properties as temporary shelters could significantly reduce the risk of such tragic accidents,” Kraintz argued. His advocacy for safe resting areas for the unhoused resonates particularly in light of this unfortunate event, reinforcing the need for community action to protect vulnerable populations.
As the investigation progresses, Mota's family remains hopeful for her recovery while grappling with the aftermath of the incident. This tragic occurrence brings to light the critical need for public awareness and advocacy concerning homelessness and urban safety. The intersection of emergency services and the realities faced by unhoused individuals underscores a pressing societal issue that requires immediate attention and action.
Community members are rallying around the affected families, seeking to ensure that this incident does not fade into obscurity without sparking meaningful change. Conversations surrounding the provision of safe spaces and resources for the unhoused must be amplified to prevent further tragedies.
In the wake of this accident, the West Sacramento community is reminded of the fragility of life and the pressing need for empathy and support for those navigating homelessness. As they await further updates on Mota's condition and details of the investigation, the collective hope remains that this tragedy will serve as a catalyst for enhanced safety measures and compassionate solutions for vulnerable populations. The impact of this event extends far beyond the immediate loss, urging all to reflect on the systemic challenges that contribute to the plight of the unhoused and to advocate for lasting change.
