Fatal closes Bell Road and Third
Published 6:25 pm Saturday, June 24, 2006
By By ANDY HAMILTON / Niles Daily Star
NILES - A 60-year-old South Bend, Ind. woman is dead following a two-vehicle accident Friday at the intersection of Bell Road and Third Street.
Berrien County Sheriff's Department Deputy Tommy Simpson said law enforcement official were called to the scene at 12:16 p.m.
Simpson said a female driving a 2003 Saturn was stopped on Bell Road and preparing to turn south onto Third Street.
Based on interviews with witnesses, Simpson said the female driver allegedly pulled out in front of, and was struck by, a 1996 International dump truck heading north on Third Street.
The driver of the dump truck was a 50-year-old male from Paw Paw, Simpson said.
The driver of the dump truck was not speeding and alcohol was not a factor in the accident, Simpson said.
The woman died of extensive head trama, Simpson said.
Niles Township Fire Chief Gary Brovold said a chow that was riding in the Saturn was taken to River Valley Equine Clinic and Small Animal Hospital for evaluation. An employee at River Valley said they would not release information on the condition of the dog.
Also assisting at the scene were Michigan State Police, Southwestern Michigan Community Ambulance Service, the Niles Charter Township Street Department and an accident reconstruction team with the Berrien County Sheriff's Department.
The scene was cleared shortly before 4 p.m., Simpson said.