One sent to hospital in early-morning crash in Great Falls
Posted: Mar 10, 2010 9:10 AM
Updated: Mar 10, 2010 3:04 PM
(First Report) An early-morning crash in Great Falls has sent one person to the hospital with what are described as life-threatening injuries.
The incident occurred near the intersection of 15th Street and 8th Avenue North around 7:30 a.m. (update: new information from GFPD indicates the accident occurred at 6:38 a.m.)
Authorities on the scene told KRTV that the driver of a car was speeding and ran through an intersection, colliding with a mini-van containing a driver and a passenger.
All three people involved in the accident were transported to Benefis, and the driver of the mini-van has life-threatening injuries.
Initial reports indicate that the driver of the car was driving under the influence of alcohol and may face criminal charges.
Traffic was re-routed for several hours, and Sergeant Eric Baumann of the Great Falls Police Department noted, "There was a lot of debris that needed to be cleaned up. We also have a state owned light pole that appears to have some damage as well as a telephone pole owned by the power company."
dixieegal00 at Mar 10th 2010 11:22 AM
It is a shame that people still drink then drive despite commercials and other media explaining the dangers. Is it that hard to wait a few hours to sober up or call a friend/ taxi to help? And they drove during hours most of us are getting ready for work and school.
spiritao36401 at Mar 10th 2010 12:00 PM
Not only was the driver of the car speeding he gunned it starting at 7th. Ave. North and was trying to make it through the light while it was yellow, he did not make it was red when he went through it. Nice way for my kids to go to school this morning staring at the guy laying on the road in pain, what a nasty wreck.
dunbar0430 at Mar 10th 2010 12:09 PM
Would you mind contacting the police as a witness to the accident? There is an investigation and any information would be appreciated.
spiritao36401 at Mar 10th 2010 12:27 PM
I went to the accident as soon as it happened, stayed there for 45 minutes waiting to speak to an officer, had to get kids to school so had to leave. I would have told them.
dunbar0430 at Mar 10th 2010 12:38 PM
Thank you for trying to talk to the police. I understand you having to get your children to school, I have three small ones myself. Would you mind calling the police department? Any eyewitness to the accident would be incredibly helpful. Our family would sure appreciate it.