CORNWALL — Vermont State Police are investigating a one-car crash on Route 30 in Cornwall that resulted in injuries to two Middlebury residents during the early afternoon of March 8.
Police on Friday said their investigation thus far revealed that Frank Rose, 76, and his wife, Anne Rose, 75, were traveling northbound on Route 30 in a 1995 Volvo toward Middlebury. Police said Frank Rose was driving the vehicle when it left the east side of the roadway after passing the Cider Mill Road intersection. Police said the vehicle traveled more than 300 feet, rotated 90 degrees clockwise, and hit a tree.
Officials are unsure at this point whether speed was a factor in the accident. Both occupants were wearing seatbelts.
Police said Frank Rose suffered injuries to his neck, arms and legs. Anne Rose sustained head and leg injuries. Both were treated at Porter Hospital and ultimately taken to Fletcher Allen Health Care in Burlington.
Middlebury Heavy Rescue, Middlebury Volunteer Ambulance Association, and Cornwall fire and rescue personnel assisted VSP at the scene of the accident.
Witnesses to this crash are urged to contact VSP Senior Trooper Cathy Cappetta at 388-4919.
A second crash, involving a parked VSP cruiser, also occurred at the scene of the Route 30 accident.
Police said Roberta Hatch, 73, of Whiting was apparently distracted by the recovery efforts involving the Roses and collided with the cruiser parked along Route 30. The cruiser was unoccupied at the time of the incident, and Hatch was not injured. Police said the driver did not initially see the cruiser, which was displaying flashing blue and white lights.
Just before impact, Hatch saw the stopped cruiser and attempted to swerve, but was unable to avoid a collision, according to police.
Hatch’s vehicle was towed from the scene due to damage to the right front tire assembly, according to police, who were able to drive the cruiser from the scene.
State police encourage all drivers to drive with due care and remain focused on the roadway. Distracted driving is a significant cause of traffic accidents and a leading cause of crash-related injury and death, according to police.