Crash sends Dowagiac woman to hospital

Published 8:41 am Thursday, March 18, 2010

A Dowagiac woman was taken to the hospital after a pickup hit a car at N. Fifth and Wayne streets in Niles at about noon Wednesday. The car was carrying a 6-day-old infant. He was not immediately taken to the hospital. (The Daily News/Katie Johnson)

A Dowagiac woman was taken to the hospital after a pickup hit a car at N. Fifth and Wayne streets in Niles at about noon Wednesday. The car was carrying a 6-day-old infant. He was not immediately taken to the hospital. (The Daily News/Katie Johnson)

By KATIE JOHNSON
Dowagiac Daily News

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

The first accident happened at N. 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 immediately available. No other people were taken to the hospital from the scene.

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

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.

Lamb said off-duty Niles police officer Heather Ramsey was driving past when the accident occurred and implemented patient care. Niles Charter Township Fire Department was also on the scene. “It’s a good example of the three agencies working together,” Lamb said. Both vehicles sustained major damage. Lamb said the two accidents required good coordination on the part of dispatch.