critical accident in front of my house

Thursday evening, I heard a sound that wasn't anything I could identify outside of my house....it set my dogs off in non -stop barking. I looked out my upstairs window & I saw dust filled the air just north of my house but couldn't see anything. I decided to put on my hiking boots, get Leo on his leash, take my cell phone & go check out what was going on.

I walked up to the street on my gravel driveway & looked in the direction of the dust in the air. There is was....a completely smashed car. I walked closer & saw there were 2 girls that were laying on the ground....one in the culvert next to the road & the other on the pasture side of the fence. The car was perpendicular to the road.....it was as if it had been dropped from the air on top of the fence.

I immediately called 911 & as I was talking & walking around the accident, I saw that the driver was still in the car....barely moving.....but trapped. I walked around the car to see if there was anything else on the oher side......there was steam or smoke coming from the engine which I remember thinking.....no fire......but told dispatch to hurry because the driver wasn't good & I didn't know about the car.

911 stayed on the phone with me all the time until they arrived. I didn't realize that the person that was arriving was related to the fire department as he was driving a plain white truck like a bat out of hell.......I was thinking he was just another jerk driving fast on the on the road.

He got out of his truck in shorts & cut-off tee but told me he was from the fire department. He sarted calling for the rest of the help once he saw what was needed. We ended up with at least a dozen sheriff, 3 ambulance & the large firetruck with at least 20 firemen as they had to take apart the car to get the boy out of the drivers seat. It seems as though the car must have been going way to fast, hit the culvert rolled 3 times according to the sheriff, taking out the fencing & as that happened, one of the fence posts went through the car & through the chest of the driver. At that point in time, the car must have gone into the air & come down right on top of the fence, as the fence was standing on either side of the car.

The driver has survived so far....but is very critical condition & several surgeries later including one for head trauma. The girls are also in critical condition....no seat bealts, so they went flying out of the car. The girl closest to the road actually lives just down the road about 3 miles & he mother came down to the accident & was trying to call the families involved, but as normal, phone reception in the area is almost impossible.....it was just a miracle that my call to 911 got out . She ended up with internal injuries. Her splean had to be removed & she had kidney damage & also had a piece of the fence post into her side also. I talked with a member of her family who stopped by yesterday afternoon. The other girl has a broken pelvis & damage to several vertebrea in her back along with a broken wrist. When the accident happened, it wasn't raining.....but it started lightly when at the beginning. The air vac was supposed to take the driver to the Univ of Ky medical center but by the time it was to arrive, the weather got so bad, they turned back......they transported the 2 most critical to the Univ of KY medical center by ambulance & the other girl they sent to the local hospital ER.

She is the one who's dog was also in the accident. He was thrown out of the car & had a huge gash in his back hip. He was scared & barking....but running around without a limp. He was just being impossible to get hold of with everything going on. I had gotten a leash so I would have something to hold onto him with if I could just get him on leash. The sheriff department called animal control because they didn't want anyone bitten, but I had been warned that the animal control guy doesn't have the best reputation. I had promised the girl that I would make sure her dog (Roscoe) would be taken care of & would be ok. The dog was running around the area, not sure where to go . It wasn't until after they got everything cleared up, that one of the workers at Anderson Circle Farm (the farm whose fence & cow pasture the accident took out) drove his truck into the pasture & when he opened up his door, in jumped Roscoe......caught. I got my leash on him & then began the quest of getting him fixed up. Needing to find out if he had a vet....that was the beginning of the search at the local ER where she was taken.....no luck & obviously, no family was interested in her dog at that point in time with her so critical (definitely understanding to me). That meant a decision on my part & there really was no decision......no way was he going with animal control in his condition, so ....it was just a matter of finding a vet at midnight who was willing to come out to help. I put in a couple of calls & one called back. Roscoe & I were riding around in the animal control truck, so he took us to the vet. The vet checked Roscoe over & the cut was deep & a small portion went into the muscle....but he was in good shape....not even in shock. He gave him a pain shot & an antibiotic....& some other shot......waiting to clean & suture the wound the next morning with a fresh day. He was going to keep him all yesterday for observation after going through such a trauma & I could bring him to my house on Saturday morning.......after a bill of about $400-$500.

I was surprised as the animal control person suggested putting up a container for fundraising to help with the cost of the vet bill. I thought that is others were interested in helping with any larger amount that they could send it directly to the vet office......they could always credit my account with any money they collect. I was surprised at how helpful the animal control person really was considering the warnings I have had about him.

The sad part is that the TV station that picked up the story reported that animal control had put down the dog......I talked to them yesterday when they came out to the scene of the accident & told them they need to correct their story as I took care of the dog & he is in the vet & in good condition & I was going to pick him up on Saturday morning. They said they couldn't put out a request for funds unless it goes through a bank & it shoud be for the the families because of how critical they are.....not for the dog. I will tell the family about the thought about the funds for the families, but think I will set up a several collection points with one for family & one for the Roscoe so they can make their choice & still have the vet's office for any larger funds so people don't feel the chance that I come in as a stranger trying to scam anyone.

I have to say that my move here to Kentucky has continually found me in challenging situations....each one more challenging than the last. After loosing my first American Eskimo Dog (Excell) just over 1 month ago......I realized that my dedication to saving Roscoe is in loving memory of Excell.....it hurt so bad loosing him because of something so stupid....that I knew I couldn't let anything happen to Roscoe

Another challenge in the life here in Kentucky,
Debbie

((((((((((((((((((((((((Debbie)))))))))))))))))))))))
That is so sad to hear that they weren't wearing seatbelts and that you had to see all of that. You are so caring and it shows by everything you did to help those people and the doggie!

I sure hope they will all be ok. It will be a LONG road to recovery, but SO glad you were there because if they were on a road where no one saw them, they could all have lost their lives. *sigh*

I had a friend in High school who was on her way to work, wasn't wearing a seatbelt, reached down for a tape, swearved into the other lane, was struck and ejected. She passed away, too. Not a day goes by where I DON'T wear a seatbelt and I insist that everyone in my vehicle wear one too!

Sending you good thoughts and hugs,
BJ

What a horrific story and I am so sorry you had to be involved.

But how lucky for the victims that you were prepared with your cell phone when you went to check out what was going on. There is no doubt in my mind that you helped save some lives tonight...... You and God

I would like to help with Roscoe's medical bills. Feel free to PM me with the vet's address. It may not be much but it will at least be a start.

Take care of yourself.

Debbie wow! I am so glad it had to happen right there so you could take care of everything like you did.

I am sorry about your dog. I didn't know you had just lost one. may I ask what happened to him?

What an incredible story! Our thoughts and prayers will go to the family and their dog. You are doing a great thing for them.

Gary

If for nothing else eskie ,,, This child and her dog ,,,, will for the time being have each other to lean on in the days ahead .

And as challenges are in a fleeting moment one can go from smiling to silent ,, and the care of people brings the light of Human kindness to the forefront .

Take Care eskie .....

bless your heart ((((((((eskie))))))), for what you are doing, stepping up like this, and hope goes out to that family, may recovery come quickly.

peace and love
night

That can be so traumatic to see, Debbie! Praying for all concerned.

Wow, that is a crazy story. Well they should have been wearing seatbelts. Geez but Im glad that they are all alive.

what a lovely gesture for you to look after the doggy ...

I picked up Roscoe from the vet earlier today.......I was surprised that with all the work being done on emergency time & the 4th of july, the cost was lower that I ever imagined....it's still a lot, but $367.50 is less than the $400-$500 that he told me about yesterday. I believe that people here care about others & the situations they are in. I will be talking to the bookkeeper to see how they work setting up a fund for his vet care to help credit that I have already paid.

I just called the the girl at the hospital who's dog I have, to let her know that Roscoe is home from his hospital stay & that he is doing just fine & is here waiting for her.....but missing her terribly also. I can see his missing her in his eyes & in his behavior. You can tell how close they are to their family by the way they act when they are away from them. I just went out on the front porch right now to check on him....& he did have a huge kiss for me......How wonderful that doggie kiss was.

I feel bad that I didn't call yesterday the girl. When I talked to her, she thought Roscoe was dead.....but then guess she would as the news reported that animal control had put him down.........what a horrible thing for her to be thinking for the last 2 days. I let her know that I left my phone # & address with the other girl's family so they know exactly where I live & how to get hold of me. I realized when she asked if it was ok to call me everyday to see how Roscoe is, that she probably won't be able to do that because my cell phone (the only phone I have) is still a California cell phone # & hospitals usually don't allow you to call outside their area.......so I will make sure to call her everyday to keep her posted.

I thought that the family of the other girl would have made sure they let her know that he was fine as I had told the family that information yesterday......but I guess this is only Saturday & the accident happened Thursday night......& the girl went through surgery yesterday.

God is truely all powerful. I prayed for a miracle that night when I saw the accident.......I know that their being alive, especially the boy, is definitely that miracle.
I know that they all will be living with scars (in more than just the physical sense) from this accident & that they probably will never be the same after this.......but I know that God's strength will be with them in the future struggles as he granted them continued life. They recognize what a miracle it is that they all lived through being thrown out of the car. They were over 50 ft from where the car landed & I am sure that they were thrown to where they landed before the car ever landed in it's final spot.

Yesterday was a crazy day on the street.....there wasn't a car that went by that didn't stop & look at where the accident happened. It does seem that everyone knows about the accident.....part of living in a small town I guess......but then again, that is where the help comes from is that everyone cares about our neighbors here & that is the most important part. Everyone at the vets office knew about the accident also.

I have been busy cleaning up a safe pen for Roscoe to be in while he is staying here........a soft place where he can lay. The gash that was sutured has to be at least 10 inches long.....they put a drain in it so the chance of infection would be much less.

I know that God directed my way out to the accident.....& I was surprised how immdiately it actually was after it happened......& thinking back, there wasn't a car that came by until the rescue people came.......that would have been so long for them to all have been just lying there until someone else would have come by. The street is somewhat busy, but there are long periods of time when there is none on the road either. It is truely awsome to see God at work in ways that are so obvious. I do have a few memorable chiggar bites from the field the night of the accident......I just got through the previous 50.....now I am working on a new 50........but praise God.....there were no calualities.

I should talk to the news channel & make sure they post the information for the girl to see that her doggie is all well.....I was thinking about calling the nurses station where she is located & see if they have an email address I can send a photo of him so she can see her baby. There have been so many times in my life where I seem to have been on the receiving side.......it is a wonderful feeling to be on the giving side right now when you hear the joy is her voice when she found out that Roscoe is alive.....it is the most wonderful sound.

Debbie

((((eskie))))) What a terrible thing to have happened and to have witnessed. These kids were blessed that you were so close and able to call for help. I pray that these children and their families all find healing and recovery as quickly as possible. Same for little Roscoe too.

Thank God you were there! No doubt that He has used you to help these people!

update on the conditions of the people in the accident.

everyone is healing.....talked with the girl & she has more surgeries to go through with her arm. She will not be walking for another 3 month & has to go to a rehab hospital after this for several more months.

The other girl had the chest tubes taken out & is getting better. She will be one of the first to go home.

The boy is still having a rough time & then on top of that, he was driving with a suspended license....he had done everything except for the final paperwork to get it back reinstated....so the insurance doesn't cover a thing.....the mother has a lawyer working on this for her....not a good situation for him as they are talking about putting him in jail & all that crap.

Roscoe is doing fine also......healing & being a very good loving puppy. The community is wonderful.....the support is great. I know the local news reporter for one of the radio stations & she is also calling for support. The womans horse group I belong to are all chipping in. One lady donated some money.....when I looked at what she gave me I had to call her & ask if she might not have picked up the wrong amount. I could just imagine a mistake like that, so I just had to check. I really live is a very caring community.

Thanks for al your well wisher for the people in the accident.
Debbie

Dear eskie ,
You are an angel of God for those families and for little Roscoe too . Your post has deeply moved me... I'm sure that taking such a good care of her dog will help this poor girl in her recovery. What a great joy it must have been for her to hear that her doggie was being cared for and would be ok. I'm praying for all of you.
Lily

I have been keeping Roscoe on the front porch.......long leash attached to his cloth collar so I wouldn't have the horrible accident I had with Excell a month ago when died.

I had a meeting yesterday that I was late getting away for, & had some errands to do in town trying to get more assistance with the vet bill for Roscoe......so I get back to the house & notice.....no Roscoe.......OH NO!!!!! Close look & the wicker rocking chair that was blocking his exit from the porch was destroyed....chewed to pieces......then over the railing of the fence was his collar & the leash attached.....he slipped out of it & took off.....boared, lonley mostly.........missing his mommy. Immediate panic set in.....I called the animal control person who has been helping me out with this so much with Roscoe. Sure enough, was running around the neighbor farm, wanting to play with their dog.....when David told him to go home, he headed for my front door & the person that helped us catch him the first night got his collar back on him & was there waiting for me when I got back into the driveway.

Nothing in my life is going smoothly right now....complication on top of complication.....as I just finally got through to the IRS....the complete package that I sent the end of March....seems to have gotten lost.....now I have to copy is all over again & send it to them.....as If I don't have enough crap going on in my life.....just another on top of another on top of another.......

Debbie

Of course, I have to add, when I went to copy & print out the information from the last package I sent to the IRS.....my printer/copier/scanner has quit working........how many more stressors can one add to the picture????

I decided to just go to bed early last night so nothing more could happen & I could just calm down.......this morning looks a bit brighter as I was all tangled up in that ball of problems & couldn't find the escape door except through a prayer & a good night's sleep.

Now I can start a new day & pray that I will be able to accomplish something today.

I have been working on getting support for the vet bill & while doing that, everything else around is falling apart.
Debbie

An update on the accident victims.......I just talked to Roscoe's mommy.

She is having a hard time & will be transferred to a convalesent home here in town from the University hospital. Her spine was fractured in 3 places, one hip was broken & the other was fractured. Her wrist was broken & had to have surgery to fix that. She must have hit the fence when she was thrown out of the car as she has a huge gash to match Roscoe's. It will be 3 months of intense therapy before she will be able to walk again. She is in good spirits considering this all & has realized that she was taking life for granted & now it's time to be thankful for being alive.....as she also has a 2 legged son that is 1 year old & her son Roscoe.

The boy who was driving is not in good condition. The fence through his chest was the least of his problems. His head injury which wasn't seen at first is much more severe. He now only has the mental capacity of a child.......she said he doesn't even know how to cough.......it comes out like a laugh.....will have to learn all the simple things all over again. They were hoping normalcy would come back....but his head injuries had his head swollen to 3 times it's size along with blood clots on the brain.......how sad for his mother to be left with this situation after loosing her husband a few years ago & their house to a fire a few weeks before the accident. All this because he was out for a thrill, going 100mph over the bumps on our street with the radio blaring. (Note, I have gone over 100mph but it's out on the flat desert with a flat road).....he had to be flying....will attach the photos of the fence they took out.

The other girl is doing the best of all.....she came home from the hospital 1 week ago. She had internal injuries, collapsed lung & broken ribs where the fence post hit her. She was in the passenger seat with seat belt on, but ended up in the back seat after the accident came to a halt. She pulled the fence post out of her side & got out of the car looking for the other girl (who was in the back seat holding onto Roscoe...without a seatbelt), & telling her she would go for help.......that didn't happen as she had collapsed by the side of the road when I got there about 5 minutes after the accident.

Roscoe is a trooper for sure. I got his stitches out last Friday & it's healing well. He made it into the local paper....the photo I took of him & the letter I wrote as if it were from him requesting the community donate funds at the animal shelter for accident victimes like himself. Everyone in town knows him now......I took him into the bank after getting his stitches out & they were all asking about him & the others in the accident. He is a blast.....but much more dog than I am used to handling. Poor baby....he was shaking with the thunderstorm yesterday......luckily, it went way around us & he was fine.

I love how the small community cares for it's people....know there are some that don't, but many do & they are the ones standing out in this situation. They have provided almost 1/2 of the vet bill already.....along with several bags of food........it's wonderful being a part of a community that cares....when I have always seemed to be the one that cares & couldn't find many around me that did before now.

I pray for the boy as it's going to be hard for him & for his mother to handle the situation. He was driving with a suspended license which was suspended in spring for a DUI....he had gone through everything except for the final paperwork but chose to blow that off. Looking back at the poor choices we make & how they effect all the people around us is very sad. I know for me, it makes me stop & think about the choices I make & take things more seriously when it effects others.



This is Roscoe & his booboo from the accident



The fencing that isn't there farthest away is where the car rolled, then it flipped through the air & landed tires down on top of the fencing that is taken out closest in the photo.......at 100mph

Debbie