2 injured when car slams into tree stump
OAKLAND TWP — Police have identified the two women injured Thursday morning when their car slammed into a large tree stump along Route 38.
The passenger, Jackie Glace, no age given, of Clearfield, Pa., was seriously injured in the crash shortly after 11 a.m. just past Randy & Bob’s Carstar in Oakland Township.
A medical helicopter flew her to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh with apparent back and neck injuries, said Capt. Ken Blatt of the Oneida Valley Volunteer Fire Department.
She was listed in fair condition this morning, according to an AGH spokeswoman.
The driver, Lisa Ann Ross, 32, also of Clearfield, was taken by ambulance to Butler Memorial Hospital with possible back injuries. Trooper Trask Alexander described Ross’ injuries as moderate.
Her condition was not known this morning.
Police said the women were traveling to Butler from Clearfield County when Ross lost control of her southbound Chevrolet Monte Carlo.
“She said she maybe hit a pot hole,” Alexander said, “and that caused her car to go off the road and onto the grass.”
The car traveled about 250 feet through a yard near the south berm. Ross told police that because of the grass, which was wet, she lost traction and was unable to brake.
The car eventually hit a ditch and then ran nearly head-on into the tree stump. Both women were wearing seat belts.
Sim Hardy owns the stump, which used to belong to a locust tree that he cut down several years ago. He was in his home relaxing when he heard the crash.
“It was like a bang,” he said. By the time he got dressed to go out, several other motorists had stopped to help.
“One was screaming pretty good,” Hardy said, referring apparently to Glace. “She must have been in a lot of pain.”
The wreck closed or restricted traffic for about an hour.
Police do not know if speed was a factor in the crash. The posted speed limit there is 45 mph.
Alexander said Ross would be getting a ticket for disregarding traffic lanes.
