By KATIE JOHNSON
Niles Daily Star

Two accidents occurred at approximately noon at different locations in Niles Wednesday, including one involving a 6-day-old infant.

The first accident happened at North Fifth and Wayne Streets, when a bronze-colored Ford pickup with at least one occupant reportedly struck a bronze-colored Ford Taurus carrying a family of three. According to a family member on the scene, Alexandria West of Dowagiac was transported by Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service (SMCAS) to the hospital after complaining of pain in her neck, legs and arms. Her sister-in-law, Marya Clark, and her infant, Michael Clark Jr., both of Dowagiac, were also in the car, the family member reported. The names of the occupant or occupants in the pickup were not available at the time.

No other people were immediately taken to the hospital.

The pickup was turned on its hood and both vehicles sustained extensive damage. The Niles Fire and Police departments and Niles Charter Township Police Department also responded to the accident.

A second accident occurred at Main Street and Broadway. According to Niles Fire Chief Larry Lamb, a green Ford Focus and a white car collided. One person with likely non-life-threatening injuries was transported by SMCAS to Lakeland Hospital; a second person was taken to the hospital as a precaution. An extraction unit was called to the scene for one vehicle.

Lamb said off-duty Niles police officer Heather Ramsey was driving past when the accident occurred and implemented patient care. The Niles Charter Township Fire Department was also on the scene.

“It’s a good example of the three agencies working together,” Lamb said.

The nature of the accident is unknown at this time. Both vehicles sustained major damage.

Lamb said the two accidents required good coordination on the part of dispatch.