GLADE SPRING, Va. — A child died following a crash between a car that hydroplaned into the path of an oncoming ambulance on Interstate 81 in Virginia Saturday afternoon.
The child was in a Toyota Corolla that was travelling north when it apparently hydroplaned, drove off the left side of the road, crossed a grassy median and then struck an ambulance traveling southbound, reported the Herald Courier.
Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller confirmed that the child died at the scene of the crash. The ambulance’s driver, Christopher Arnold, 40, of Marion, Virginia, tried to, but was unable to avoid the oncoming car, Geller said.
The ambulance was not transporting anyone at the time of the crash. There were two paramedics in the ambulance. One was transported to a local hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.
“The vehicle extrication was an extensive operation and lasted more than 90 minutes to remove all of the occupants,” said Lt. Ricky Stumbo of the Glade Spring Volunteer Fire Department.
The car’s female adult driver and 16-year-old female front-seat passenger were flown to hospitals in the region with serious injuries. Two children in the backseat of the car were transported to a hospital for treatment.
The crash remains under investigation. The Glade Spring Volunteer Life Saving Crew, Chilhowie Fire Department, Washington County Life Saving Crew, Smyth County Ambulance Service, MedFlight 2 and Wings Air Rescue also responded to the crash scene.
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| Extensive and prolonged extrication was required to remove the adults and children from their vehicle after it collided with an ambulance on Interstate 81 Saturday afternoon. (Image courtesy Station 13) |