OVID TOWNSHIP, MI (WTVB) – Quick thinking by a witness to a two vehicle crash Tuesday morning on Old 27 just north of Pearl Road possibly saved the life of a woman who was trapped in one of the vehicles when it caught on fire.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Office says the crash happened at about 6:50 a.m..
They report that according to their preliminary investigation, a north bound pick up truck driven by 62-year-old James Davies of Coldwater had stopped for a school bus that was picking up students when the Davies vehicle was struck from behind by a small SUV driven by 31-year-old David Sherrick of Homer.
The impact caused the SUV to catch fire. A passenger in the SUV, 39-year-old Teresa Walters of Reading, was pinned inside.
A witness to the crash used a large fire extinguisher to put out the flames in the engine compartment which the Sheriff’s Office says possibly saved Walters life.
After several minutes, the Lakeland Fire Rescue Jaws of Life was able to free Walters.
Walters and Sherrick were both taken to the Emergency Room at ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
The Sheriff’s Office say safety belts and airbags deployed thus reducing injuries. The accident remains under investigation.
Deputies were assisted at the scene by a private citizen, the Lakeland Fire Department Rescue units, Lifecare Ambulance Service and the Coldwater Fire Department.
Tuesday morning turned out to be a busy one for local police and firefighters.
Another injury crash first happened just before 5:30 a.m. at U.S. 12 and Central Road. Two vehicles were involved and two minor injuries were reported.
The crash forced a shut down of U.S. 12 at that location and traffic had to be detoured until about 6:40 p.m.. The Michigan State Police are investigating.
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