In the news in my town... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

blackmercedes · #1 04-14-2003, 09:16 AM

From The Edmonton Sun, April 14:

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The pickup truck that crashed into the back of a trailer east of Sherwood Park - killing a nine-year-old girl and her father - was travelling at nearly 100 kmh and likely didn't even brake before impact, say police.

The driver of the pickup, Dennis Huculak, 40, was pronounced dead at the scene Saturday night and his nine-year-old daughter, Jordan, died shortly after being airlifted to hospital in Edmonton. Both were from Sherwood Park.

"It's very tragic," said Strathcona RCMP Const. Darren Anderson. "I don't know exactly how fast they hit but it's probably safe to say it was near the speed limit (100 kmh). It didn't appear there was any braking before impact."

That may be because a third vehicle - possibly another pickup truck - witnesses said was travelling directly behind the braking semi manoeuvred around it moments before the crash, said Anderson.

The semi hauling hay on a flatbed was east on Wye Road when it slowed to turn right into a private driveway near Range Road 225 about 9:13 p.m. Saturday.

Anderson said that's when the mystery vehicle, also travelling east, reportedly went around the semi and Huculak slammed into the back of the flatbed. Road conditions and visibility were good and subsequent inspections found no problems with either vehicle, said Anderson.

"The cause is yet to be determined," said Anderson. "Whether he simply didn't see the vehicle turning or was distracted, we are still looking into it."

Police are asking any more witnesses and the driver of the mystery vehicle to contact the detachment.

The accident left Alvin Patriquin - the farmer driving the semi - distraught and considering never getting behind the wheel of his semi again.

"It was a nine-year-old girl," he said. "That's not a nice feeling. I was thinking about (never driving the semi again)."

Patriquin said he has had several near misses while turning into his driveway because other drivers often assume he is turning right at the next major junction, Range Road 225.

"I start signalling back 100 yards or so but they usually figure I'm going down the range road."

Patriquin said the force of the collision snapped his head back against the semi's back window and he will have tests to determine whether he suffered whiplash.

Anderson said everyone involved in the crash was wearing a seat belt and alcohol was not a factor.

RCMP Victim Service workers were consoling the mourning family members last night.
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I have my own theory about how this crash happened. The driver was following another vehicle, and he was tailgating. He was watching the bumper of the lead vehicle, as he was way too close to watch traffic down the road. The driver of the "mystery" vehicle (as they call it) swerved to go around the semi. The fellow following was suddenly faced with the ass-end of a tractor-trailer unit, and killed himself and his daughter. The police concede he was not speeding, and was not drunk.

Inattention caused this tragedy, no matter how it happened. Go ahead and drive the speed limit. But, if you tailgate, play with your cellphone, crawl under the dash fishing for CD's, read the paper, or other idiotic behaviours, this can be the result.

Kuan · #2 04-15-2003, 07:37 AM

Yah but for that to happen the mystery vehicle which swerved around the semi had to have been quite close as well, under two seconds for sure. They must have been drafting.

need2speed · #3 04-15-2003, 12:23 PM

John, I've been in that situation before and I think you're right. The lead driver can see an obstruction ahead but the tailgater cannot. So the lead driver can "choose" to wait until the last minute and swerve around the obstruction. The tailgater now has a panic manouver IF they are paying attention and a crash if they are not.

Yes, I've been tempted sometimes to scare tailgaters this way. Thanks for such a sad reminder why not to.....