It is that time of year in the Pacific Northwest when every weekend is marked with festivals and farmers markets. In Oregon, there is no better time of year to enjoy the outdoors than the summer. That is just what many people set out to do when they attended the America’s Global Village Festival on June 2. Unfortunately, the festivities were cut short when a driver crashed through barriers and into the spectator area of the event. The car accident ended with injuries to at least 24 people.
The car reportedly came barreling down the road at a high rate of speed before jumping the curb and crashing through a metal barrier. The car continued into the spectator stands, striking those who were watching the live entertainment. Thankfully, the event took place very near a local Oregon hospital, so the victims of the car accident were able to be treated by medical personnel almost immediately after being hit.
Even with the quick response of medical professionals, 23 victims had to be taken to the hospital for treatment for their injuries. Another was rushed to the hospital’s separate trauma center in Boise. Three of the victims were said to be in critical condition.
Oregon police are continuing to review all available evidence to determine exactly how and why the teenage driver crashed the car into the festival stands. The 19-year-old has been arrested for assault and driving under the influence of intoxicants.
Unfortunately, despite the widely known dangers, people continue to drive while intoxicated. Hopefully this crash and others like it will encourage Oregon drivers to either find other means of transportation if they have been drinking, or to limit their alcohol intake before driving.
Source: oregonlive.com, “Car crash into bandstand injures dozens in eastern Oregon,” June 2, 2012
