Five people were taken to Atmore Community Hospital by ambulance after a two-vehicle crash that occurred around 7 p.m., Monday, Dec. 19, at the intersection of Sunset Drive and Alabama Highway 21.
Sketchy details from witnesses and emergency personnel at the scene indicate that the driver of a Ford Fusion that was traveling along the western portion of Sunset Drive apparently pulled into the path of a Chevy Uplander van that was traveling northward on Alabama 21.
The collision caused the van to slam into a utility pole, then bounce about three feet backward. The sedan careened off the highway’s eastern side and came to rest roughly 20 yards from the point of impact.
The front end of the van was ripped apart and significant damage was done to both front panels. The Ford sustained more-than-moderate damage to its passenger side, including a shattered windshield.
The driver of the van, who had to be cut from the vehicle by Atmore Fire Department personnel, and a passenger suffered lacerations and were taken to the local hospital in one ambulance.
The three occupants of the Ford – one of whom reportedly suffered minor cuts and scrapes, while the other two each complained of pain in the head area – were apparently less seriously injured and were taken to ACH in another ambulance.
Atmore police and an Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputy directed traffic along the state highway while city firefighters assisted Atmore Ambulance personnel in the preliminary examination of the victims.
Alabama State Troopers continued at midday Tuesday their investigation into the cause of the mishap and had not released any details, including the names of the victims. Both vehicles had Escambia County license plates.