Ambulance Crash Log
Car, ambulance collide in North Adams - Massachusetts

Jan 2, 2005, 02:59

The accident took place at approximately 11:45 a.m., when Catherine A. Saunders, 19, of 47 Washington Ave., attempted to turn her red 1999 Pontiac Sunbird from Washington Avenue onto Church Street, said North Adams Police Sgt. James Burdick.

Saunders collided with a North Adams ambulance heading south on Church Street with its sirens blaring and lights flashing, according to witnesses.

The ambulance smashed into the driver's side of Saunders' car, deploying both airbags, Burdick said.

Both vehicles were towed, and debris was strewn all over the road. City firefighters spread a chemical on the street to absorb motor oil leaking from both vehicles and swept up the debris.

Emergency medical technicians Robert F. Dobbert, Jr., 39, of 82 Meade Ave., and John Meaney, 23, of 1183 Massachusetts Ave., had been driving to an emergency call to assist a Bradford Street man who had fallen and injured his ankle, police said.

Adams Ambulance transported Saunders to the hospital for leg injuries, but Dobbert and Meaney declined medical treatment, Burdick said. Saunders was treated and released, according to hospital officials.

Saunders was cited for failure to grant the right of way to an emergency vehicle, Burdick said.

Photo: Noah Hoffenberg