A Batavia woman was apparently not wearing a seat belt today when the minivan she was driving crossed the center line on Route 5 at Hopkins Road and struck a pickup truck head on, ejecting her through the front windshield.
Hope A. Calhoun, 30, of Shady Lane, Batavia, was taken by Mercy Flight to Erie County Medical Center with reportedly serious injuries. This evening, patient information at ECMC did not have a status update on her condition.
The two children riding with Calhoun were not injured.
The driver of the pickup truck, Kenneth R. Thomas, 49, of Hopkins Road, Batavia, was transported by Mercy EMS to UMMC where he was treated for a leg injury.
His passenger, Wendy H. Howard, 49, was taken to UMMC and treated for rib injuries.
Calhoun was reportedly driving a 2005 Pontiac minivan eastbound on Route 5 at 11:57 a.m. when she lost control of her vehicle. Investigators said her speed was too fast for road conditions, which were icy and slushy.
Thomas reportedly tried to avoid the accident, moving toward the north shoulder.
The impact created a large debris field of car parts and groceries from both vehicles, including paper birthday plates and fruit-drink cartons as well as compact discs from one or both of the vehicles.
After Calhoun was ejected, her body rolled into a drainage ditch on the south shoulder of Route 5 and initial reports were that she was semi-conscious when first responders arrived.
The children riding with Calhoun were Claire Williams, 8, and Evan Williams, 4, both of Cochram Road, Bryon. The children were taken to Strong Memorial Hospital for evaluation where they were treated and released.
The accident is under investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff's Office, led by deputies Ron Meides and John Duyssen of the crash-management team. Assisting at the scene were Deputy Brian Thompson and Trooper Holly Hansel.
East Pembroke Fire Department responded along with mutual aid from Town of Batavia Fire Department. Ambulances from Oakfield and Darien fire departments also responded.
put down the cards, they got
put down the cards, they got a call to go!
JT, what is that supposed to
JT, what is that supposed to mean?
Destin, I think JT forgot to
Destin, I think JT forgot to take his meds today.
I bet when Hope A. Calhoun comes through she will wear her seatbelt and slow down. That is if she comes out okay. She did not have enough intelligence to wear her seatbelt nor, slow down for weather conditions. Glad the children were not seriously hurt due, to her neglect.