January 11, 2009 Fire truck had past brake issue Play video

(John Moroney, NECN) - An investigation began into the cause of the crash that killed Boston firefighter, Lt. Kevin Kelley, on Friday.

A Boston Fire Department ladder truck crashed into a Mission Park high-rise after returning from a routine call.

Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said on Saturday that the department will convene a board of inquiry to look into the cause and come up with recommendations. He declined to comment on reports that the truck's brakes may have failed in the accident.

Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser did discuss the brakes, saying that they had not been a recurring problem with the truck.

"Other than the things that we find in the annual inspection and repairs, didn't see anything, any history of brake problems with it," Fraser said. "Any vehicle has to have brake pads replaced and things like that, but as far as a recurring problem, I didn't see anything in the maintenance records that we have."

A faulty brake hose was repaired during the annual inspection in October. Last week, the ladder truck was in the repair shop because of a faulty electrical switch.

"We got to make sure that the truck was in good shape and do anything we can to support the family of the firefighter," Boston Mayor Tom Menino said.

NECN's John Moroney has the report in the video player above.