An Alabama man was seriously injured in a single-car accident today when his car struck a tree on Sandhill Road, Basom.
Robert J. VanPelt, 22, was taken by Mercy Flight to ECMC following the 1:40 p.m. accident.
While the accident remains under investigation, a Sheriff's Office release says alcohol may have been a contributing factor.
"Charges may be pending," according to the release.
VanPelt is being treated for multiple serious injuries.
VanPetl's passenger, Brandon Rueben (no age provided), also from Alabama, was taken by ground ambulance to ECMC. The Sheriff's Office describes his injuries as "non-life threatening."
VanPelt was driving a 1997 Buick north on Sandhill when he apparently failed to negotiate a curve and traveled off the east side of the road. His car then traveled back across Sandhill and off the west shoulder, where hit struck an embankment and then a tree.
Responding to the scene were Deputy Lonnie Nati, Deputy Dana Richardson, Sgt. T.A. Sanfratello, Investigator Kris Kautz, Deputy Kevin McCarthy and Deputy Eric Seppela from the crash-management team. Assisting at the scene were Alabama, Indian Falls and Pembroke fire departments as well as Mercy EMS.
For our initial report, click here.
