HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Four firefighters were rushed to the hospital after an 18-wheeler struck their engine in the Kingwood area, union leaders said.

The Houston Police Department said the call for the crash came in before 2 a.m. Sunday on the Eastex Freeway at the Northpark Drive entrance ramp.

The major crash involved a Houston Fire Department pumper engine that was struck by an 18-wheeler, HPD said.

In a post on X, HFD Chief Thomas Muñoz said the engine was hit while blocking traffic.

"Blocking traffic on the freeway is one of the most dangerous tasks we do," Muñoz said.

Patrick M. "Marty" Lancton, president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, asked for prayers in a post on X , saying the 'serious' accident involving Engine 104 injured four firefighters.

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