BRIDGEPORT — Three of four firefighters in a deadly July 31 crash between their ladder truck and a car downtown have returned to work.

But the driver of the truck, 18-year veteran firefighter David Otero, remains on leave from his job, Fire Chief Brian Rooney said Friday.

The driver of the car, Gwendolyn Little, 58, of Willow Street, died in Bridgeport Hospital from her injuries. Her mother, Essie Williams, 77, of Platt Street, was in guarded condition Sunday night at the hospital.

The firetruck remains out of service, but is a newer model that can be repaired, Rooneysaid.

The truck's siren and emergency lights were activated when it left fire headquarters, headed west on Congress Street about 4 p.m. July 31. It struck the women's Ford Taurus sedan, which was headed south on Housatonic Avenue, a short distance from the fire headquarters base for the truck.

Deputy Fire Chief Robert Petrucelli previously said the truck had been dispatched to investigate a report of a smoky condition when the car pulled out in front of them, leaving no time for Otero to hit the brakes.

The truck hit the driver's side of Little's car and pushed it 25 to 30 feet.

Police are still investigating the accident.

Aaron Leo, who covers regional issues, can be reached at 330-6222.