Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE


Date: May 30, 2014

Location: Columbia Township

Authority: David K. Elwell, Chief of Police


The Columbia Township Police Department is continuing to investigate a two-vehicle personal injury accident that occurred on Thursday, May 29, 2014, at approximately 8:28 P.M. at Hyde Road and White Road in Columbia Township. The accident involved two vehicles, with a total of 5 occupants.

A 2009 Chevrolet Equinox, driven by Kayla Strohl, 19, of Brooklyn, was traveling southbound on Hyde Road, and failed to stop at the stop sign at White Road, driving into the path of another vehicle. Occupants of the Equinox included a 17 year-old male, as well as a 1 year-old female. All three were wearing restraints, with the infant in a secured child seat. The vehicle was equipped with airbags, which did deploy.

Kayla Strohl was the only one to be transported from the scene for treatment and although the University of Michigan Survival Flight helicopter was called to the scene, a decision was made to transport her by ground ambulance to Allegiance Hospital in Jackson. She had abdominal pain, as well as other potential injuries. She was treated at Allegiance, and as of 1 P.M. on Friday, May 30, 2014, she had been released.

The second vehicle involved was a 2008 Lincoln Mark LT pickup truck, which was traveling westbound on White Road. The front of the pickup impacted the left front (driver) side of the Equinox. Neither vehicle was drivable after the accident. The driver of the Lincoln was Timothy Burns, 61, of Columbia Township. His passenger was a 15 year-old male. Both occupants of the Lincoln were wearing their seatbelts, and although they reported minor injuries, they were not transported for medical treatment. The airbags in the Lincoln deployed as well.

A determination has been made as to the at-fault driver, although charges have not as yet been issued.

It should be noted that the fairly significant impact and damage to both vehicles, when compared to the absence of any serious injuries, is a testament to the importance of using seatbelts and child restraints, as well as the safety of airbag equipped vehicles.