Three out of four drivers sent to hospital after messy highway crash

COLDSTREAM — It was dominoes after a Coldstream man rear-ended a Lumby woman on Highway 6 last Friday, eventually causing a messy four vehicle accident requiring the jaws of life.

Around 3:40 p.m. May 31 a vehicle was east bound in the process of stopping legally in traffic and preparing to turn left from Hwy 6 into R.E. Postill and Sons gravel pit. A 2007 White Chevrolet Silverado driven by a 54-year-old Denman Island man was also east bound. As he approached the vehicle that was turning left, he pulled over to the right shoulder, slowing and coming to a stop.

At the same time, a 1990 Grey Oldsmobile Cutlass driven by a 38-year-old Lumby woman was approaching the vehicle that was turning. She had slowed down to about 60km/h. As she was doing this her vehicle was struck from behind by a 2007 Blue Ford F-150. A 61-year-old man from Coldstream was behind the wheel.

"This caused a chain reaction that saw the woman’s vehicle then spin forward striking the stopped Chevy pick-up," RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk said.

The pickup then continued to cross the centre line diagonally, striking a white 1992 Ford Econoline Van off-centre head-on. A 58-year-old Vernon man was trapped in the van and rescue crews had to use the jaws of life to free him.

"Three drivers were transported to hospital by ambulance," Molendyk said.

The van driver sustained major injuries including a broken jaw, hip, wrist, and other injuries.

"He is expected to recover," Molendyk said.

The woman sustained whiplash and the driver of the Ford truck broke a rib and bruised his arms and legs. The fourth driver had no injuries and was able to drive away in his car.

"The roadway was dry and visibility was clear at the time," Molendyk said.  "Alcohol was not a factor in the crash."

The Coldstream man was issued a violation ticket for driving without due care and attention.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call (250)309-5230.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community? Create a free account to comment on stories, ask questions, and join meaningful discussions on our new site.

Leave a Reply

Charlotte Helston

REPORTER

Charlotte Helston grew up in Armstrong and after four years studying writing at the University of Victoria, she came back to do what she loves most: Connect with the community and bringing its stories to life.

Covering Vernon for iNFOnews.ca has reinforced her belief in community. The people and the stories she encounters every day—at the courthouse, City Hall or on the street—show the big tales in a small town.

If you have an opinion to share or a story you'd like covered, contact Charlotte at Charlotte Helston or call 250-309-5230.

Charlotte Helston's Stories

Twitter

Facebook