CHARLOTTE -- A life was cut short Sunday night, following a violent collision on Interstate 85 at Sugar Creek Road, when a car collided with a stopped fire truck -- close to firefighters assisting another accident.

"The Charlotte Fire Department was on scene for nearly ten minutes when unfortunately this sedan ran into the back of Engine 22,” Capt. Rob Brisley said. “We're fortunate that our injuries to our firefighters were very minor."

While the two firefighters are expected to make a full recovery, Zachery Terrell, 51, of Harrisburg, died at the hospital from his injuries.

Charlotte Fire Department Captain Rob Brisley said the accident may have been a harsh reminder.

"As busy as the interstates are, people need to exercise caution, slow down, move over, allow fire fighters and police officers just little more room when they're working on the interstate, it could make a difference," he said.

But there are still many unanswered questions. State troopers, who are investigating the incident, said Terrell was likely traveling at 60 to 65 miles per hour before the collision.

However, because there were no brake marks, troopers don't know if the victim even saw the fire truck before making impact.

"We have equipment that is readily available and can be replaced if something like this happens, but we're not in the business to have our trucks damaged, or more importantly, a life being lost," Brisley said.

The highway patrol continues to look over clues, while fire crews deal with a puzzling accident and a startling reminder of the risks on the road.

“We're grateful that incidents like this are very rare, but on a daily basis, fire fighters and police officers find themselves in harm's way dealing with interstate crashes. We hope to never deal with this again," Brisley said.