Three Crashes On Friday Make Four Collisions In Two Days, Several Sent To Hospital

Scene of a collision in Chalybeate today.

Darren Doyle, story and photos:
Emergency workers struggled to keep up with the calls today as they responded to three crashes within a two-hour period. 

The first call today came around 5:30pm at the junction of KY HWY 101 and HWY 743 (New Grove Road) as emergency personnel arrived to the scene of a rear end collision that sent a woman and toddler to the hospital.

According to the Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, Kristin Ray, (34) of Smiths Grove who was driving a 2006 Dodge Caravan was stopped in the southbound lane of 101 waiting to turn left onto 743. Officials said that Kailey Powers, (23) of Bowling Green, also headed south, failed to stop in time and collided with the rear of Ray's van, knocking her approximately 60 feet. 

Emergency workers and volunteers help an injured driver in a Chalybeate collision today.

​Ray was transported to the hospital by Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries, along with her three-year old daughter, who was properly restrained in a child safety seat, according to officials. The child was transported for possible injuries.

The Sheriff's Office said there were also juvenile passengers in Powers' vehicle; a one-year old and a seven-year old. According to officials, both were also properly restrained. Authorities said they all appeared uninjured and refused medical treatment at the scene.

The Sheriff's office said all parties involved were wearing seat belts or were in child safety seats. Air bags were deployed in both vehicles. 
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Also responding to the scene were the Chalybeate and Brownsville Fire Departments.

​Only an hour and half later, two separate crashes were reported at the same time. The first occurred on KY HWY 259 in front of the Edmonson County Fairgrounds. No one was injured in the two vehicle crash, and no names were released; however, officials said the situation was similar to the crash earlier today where one car was stopped to make a turn when they were hit in the back end by an oncoming car, unable to stop on the wet roads. Authorities said speed, distraction, or possibly both were likely factors.

A crashed vehicle rests against a signpost in a Brownsville crash this evening.

Just a few miles north at the Brownsville Dollar General Store, Brownsville Police reported that David Shain, (45) of Morgantown, attempted to pull out of the Dollar Store parking lot in a 2013 Dodge Ram pickup when he turned into the path of Johnnie Carder, (80) of Brownsville, who was headed south in a 2013 Chevy Equinox.

Carder was unable to avoid the pickup and the vehicles collided, according to police. Mr. Carder's passenger, Marilyn Carder (71), also of Brownsville, was transported to the hospital by Edmonson EMS for non-life threatening injuries. Mr. Shain was reportedly uninjured according to officials.

A wrecked Dodge Ram sits on the side of the road after a Brownsville crash on Friday night.

In a strange turn of events, the Carders are the grandparents of Max Holloway, who was involved in yesterday's collision in Chalybeate. Holloway arrived at his grandparents' scene tonight just as they responded to his aid yesterday during his crash.

Also responding to the Brownsville crash was the Brownsville Fire Department, Edmonson County Sheriff's Office, and District 2 Constable.

Sheriff Shane Doyle said local emergency personnel work many more accidents during rainy weather than they do slick, icy conditions.

"People are much more careful when there is snow or ice on the roads," he said. "Most drivers can easily see the increased dangers. The fact is, wet roads and rainy conditions can be just as hazardous and many drivers think there's nothing to it. Slow down, put down your phone, and be aware of what's happening. Your vision is not as good and you need more time to stop in rainy conditions. Luckily, it appears that no one suffered very serious injuries in these crashes, but four collisions in just over 24hrs is too many, period."