DEARBORN, Michigan – A terrible car accident occurred Friday afternoon, around 4:30pm on Outer Drive, near Park Street. According to witnesses at the accident scene, a man – thought to be in his 30’s (driving a “white minivan” – actually a white Ford Escape) collided with a black Ford Escort, driven by a young man – thought to be around 17-20 years old. The accident occurred at a “historically dangerous corner” on Outer Drive, near Park Street. Both drivers were brought to an area hospital.
Dearborn Firemen cleaning up after terrible car accident on Outer Drive, near Park Street. (Photo by Jordan Ewert)
Colette Richards said: “When I got to Park Place at 5:00 pm, the Firefighters were trying to get the driver out of the black car. It took them a while to get that person out. It looked like there were 4 cars involved in the accident but I was off to the side so that’s all I could see. It was very sad to see. I just hope everyone will be alright who was involved in it.”
Dearborn firefighters apparently used the “Jaws-of-Life” to extricate the young man from the black colored Escort.
Wreckage and debris -scattered everywhere after terrible car accident on Friday, March 15 – on Outer Drive, near Park Street in Dearborn. (Photo by Jordan Ewert)
“In regards to the accident at Park and Outer Drive. Our initial investigation reveals that a Ford Escape was traveling at a high rate of speed northbound on Outer Drive. That vehicle struck a Ford Taurus traveling southbound. Both drivers were transported to Oakwood Hospital. Based on the initial investigation, it does appear that alcohol may have played a part in this accident. The investigation is continuing”, Seargent Stephen White said in a statement issued Monday morning.
The City of Dearborn worked with residents in the past year to remove trees that obstructed views from the empty lot on Park Street – improving visibility for drivers. Fire Marshal Scott Rhodes was not available for comment.
Wreckage and debris -scattered everywhere after terrible car accident on Friday, March 15 – on Outer Drive, near Park Street in Dearborn. (Photo by Jordan Ewert)
Janet Damian remarked: “Oh, this is horrible! People speeding up Outer Drive from Michigan Avenue at 4:30 — others crossing at Park or Nona — or waiting in line to cross at Grindley Park. Visibility is so poor at that curve. This doesn’t look like a 35 mph crash does it?”
Wreckage and debris -scattered everywhere after terrible car accident on Friday, March 15 – on Outer Drive, near Park Street in Dearborn. (Photo by Jordan Ewert)
This accident is one example of the problems that are facing our community. I travel Outer Drive each day and many drivers are speeding around the corner where this accident occured. It is time for people to slow down for the safety of others and remember that “speeding kills”.
That’s a horrific accident! Drivers should always be alert, careful and focused on driving especially when the visibility is not good. Speeding is really a bad idea. We all can avoid this kind of unfortunate accident if we just follow safety traffic rules and practice responsible driving.