Looking at these photos, it’s hard to believe anyone survived this crash. But click “more” and learn how this family survived a horrendous crash ‚Ķ
Cops and rescuers agreed – without restraints the occupants of this smashed van would be dead, or seriously injured.
Story and photos by David F. Ashton
In the middle of the afternoon of June 24, a family was driving down SE Foster Road, heading out to do some Saturday afternoon shopping.
As they neared SE 86th Avenue, a hot-shot driver passed against a double yellow line, forcing the van to swerve. It collided with a wooden utility pole with such force, it knocked a transformer loose.
But, at the scene of this horrific wreck, Portland Fire & Rescue workers were standing around, with smiles on their faces. “I know it’s hard to believe, David, but none of the adults, nor children, were injured. They walked away,” a firefighter told us.
Their van was a total loss — the entire front end wiped out. But, they all walked away. As a cop said, “Seat belts do save lives.”
An East Precinct Portland Police officer told us all of the occupants had been wearing safety belts, and the kids were correctly buckled into their car seats. “We say it over and over ‚Äì because it is the truth ‚Äì ‘Seat Belts Save Lives’.”
© 2006 David F. Ashton ~ East PDX News
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