Car into water as result of Ind. 240 crash

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

A vehicle accident on Ind. 240 at Ind. 75 sent two motorists to the hospital early Tuesday.

Emergency crews were dispatched at 6:30 a.m. to an inverted vehicle in the water with occupants trapped inside.

Putnam County Sgt. Don Pettit said that Dean Richmond, 75, Greencastle, driving a 2003 Ford Taurus, and his passenger Brandy Richmond, 28, Greencastle, were traveling eastbound on Ind. 240 and disregarded the stop sign at the intersection. David Hadley, Coatesville, driving a 1995 Chevy van, was traveling southbound on Ind. 75 when Richmond pulled out in front of him.

Pettit reported that Hadley had no time to react and t-boned Richmond's vehicle on the driver's side. The force of impact caused Richmond's vehicle to go off the road and land inverted in a pond on the east side of the road, while Hadley's vehicle was spun around.

Jefferson Township Fire Chief Rick Cooper said that occupants were assisted out of the vehicle by passing motorists. Fillmore firefighter Cenon "T" Heim was one of those motorists.

According to Heim, they pried open the passenger-side door and were able to release her seat belt. Heim said they dragged her out and she was able to walk up the hill.

Heim also said that one of the motorist climbed into the vehicle to hold up the driver's head which was submerged in the water. Heim attempted to release the driver's seat belt, but was unable to reach it.

Heim said the motorist holding the driver's head up was able to release the latch and Heim was able to drag the driver out of the vehicle.

Both occupants were able to walk up the hill and were ushered into Heim's vehicle to keep warm.

Cooper said both Richmond and his daughter were transported to Putnam County Hospital for treatment by Operation Life. Hadley was assessed and released at the scene.

Assisting on the scene were Greencastle Fire Department, Cloverdale Officer Nick Eastham, Curtis Wrecking and Steve's Towing Services.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: