Ambulance Association Director Jerry Schwab said a crash Sunday involving an ambulance was triggered by an icy road — not by the speed of the ambulance.
The ambulance was responding to a one-car crash Sunday at about 11 a.m. when driver Jason Scott Schwartz, 22, lost control on Great Hill Road.
The ambulance crashed into the passenger’s side front tire of a 1999 Ford Ranger being driven by Peter Kross, of Seymour.
No injuries were reported immediately after the crash, but Kross said later he experienced pain in his upper arm and went to Griffin Hospital to get checked out.
A police summary Monday did not list enforcement action against either driver — but did note road conditions were poor.
After responding to crashes, police officers have the discresion to take — or to not take — enforcement action. The enforcement in winter-weather related crashes can range from a verbal warning for traveling too fast for conditions to a ticket for failing to stay in the proper lane.
On Monday, Oxford resident state Trooper Sgt. Dan Semosky said the ambulance crash was still under investigation. He wasn’t available for comment Tuesday.
Schwab said the crash highlights the danger emergency crews face while responding to calls.
Schwab said the accident could have happened to anyone based on the snowy weather.
“Unfortunately these things happen to regular vehicles and emergency vehicles in bad weather,” he said. “It could have been any one of us.”
Schwab, who responded to the accident scene, said the three-person ambulance crew and Kross were evaluated at the scene. All four men declined medical treatment.
Schwab said his ambulance driver tried to overcompensate after the ambulance hit a patch of ice.
“He (Schwartz) was not issued a ticket,” Schwab pointed out.
The Other Call
The ambulance in Sunday’s crash was responding to a one-car crash on Peach Farm Road.
In that incident, Elizabeth Seyler, 48, of Shelton, lost control of a 1994 Chevy Astro van and drove off the road and into a tree.
Click here to see photos from that accident.
A second ambulance from Oxford responded to that call.
The fire department had to use tools to cut Seyler out of the vehicle. She was taken to Griffin Hospital for leg and back pain, according to the police summary.
Unlike the ambulance crash, immediate enforcement action was taken in Seyler’s case — she was issued an infraction for operating a vehicle with unsafe tires.
Sounds like a cover up with the Oxford Ambulance trying to protect themselves. Unless the ambulance was speeding near head on collision would be very difficult to occur. It is lucky no one was killed. I know of people killed by an ambulance. Young reckless driver ran her over. Again, no repercussions what so ever. At the minimum, the driver should no longer be allowed to drive am emergency vehicle. A 22 year old should not be behind the wheel of an emergency vehicle.
Furthermore, neither the police officer nor the Oxford Ambulance Commissioner was present at the time of the accident. It is hard to believe that an ambulance responding to a call is not exceeding speed limits. This investigation is a sham. The person who was hit stated that they were driving too fast for conditions. I believe what he said is true. No question.
So if a 22 year old shouldn’t be behind the wheel of an emergency vehicle why does the state police put 21 year olds behind a gun and emergency vehicle. Or better yet why are 17 year olds handed M16’s to protect our country. Think before you speak.
17 year olds are allowed to defend this country because they are deemed dispensible by the money hungry legislators and fat cat capitalist pigs who only want to make money off of their lives. They are innocent dupes used by government leaders to further their own ends. Do you know of any poor politicians? As far the police are concerned, we can only hope that there is adequate screening of the people that are given weapons and vehicles. Given the high rate of alcoholism and suicide among police officers, one wonders if such screening is performed. You need to wake up to what is occurring around you. Typical provincial thinking on your part.