February 17, 2001

PRESS RELEASE

To: Newsroom

For Immediate Release

Contact: Brian A. Crawford, Public Information Officer

Phone: 673-6652, cell: 455-2609, page: 675-2137

Afternoon Accidents Sends Seven to Hospital

An car accident this afternoon shortly after 12:30 p.m. at Mansfield Road and 70^th Street sent seven people to area hospitals. The injuries were reported to range from serious to minor. Six of the patients were transported to Louisiana State University Health and Sciences Center (LSUHSC), with the other going to Willis Knighton South Medical Center (WKSMC).

Officials say that an older model Ford Thunderbird, driven by Addy DeBoise, 78, was traveling north on Mansfield Road when it struck a late model Saturn, driven by Elaine Thornbury, 70, who was turning east onto 70^th Street from the southbound turn lane of Mansfield Road. The two cars then careened into a Geo Storm, driven by Veronica Hogan , 24, that was sitting, waiting to turn onto the north lane of Mansfield Road, in the westbound lane of 70^th Street.

The fire department was forced to utilize five of the department’s eight medic units to transport and treat all of the patients. Additionally a rescue truck was summoned for extra manpower and the use of its "Jaws of Life" tool, as one of the patients was trapped. After more than an hour, firefighters were able to removed the last patient from the scene. Before it was all over we had an excess of 20 personnel on the scene, but needed everyone of them, says EMS supervisor, Captain Frederick Williams.

Damage to all of the vehicles was heavy, with the Thunderbird appearing totaled. No tickets were issued by Shreveport Police at the scene of the accident.

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