To: All News Agencies

From: Sgt. Kevin Lynn

Date: 06/29/07

Re: Auto Accidents in McCracken County

The McCracken County Sheriff's Department investigated several weather related accidents this afternoon. The first reduced Interstate 24 at the nine mile marker to one lane of traffic for approximately one hour. Deputies received the call for assistance at 2:49p.m. and found three vehicles involved upon their arrival. Four people were treated at the scene by Reidland / Farley Firefighters and Paramedics from Mercy Regional EMS. All four were then transported to Western Baptist Hospital where they received further care.

The investigation revealed that prior to the accident all three vehicles were traveling East on I-24. James E. Holloway, 58, of Paducah stated that he came upon several slower vehicles in his lane of traffic and he switched lanes to avoid a collision. After completing his lane change he found that there were other vehicles slowing in this lane as well. According to Mr. Holloway they were slowing due to the severe rain that was ahead. This is when a 2003 Mitsubishi Galant driven by 19 year old Savannah L. Walker of Grand Rivers rear ended Mr. Holloway and his wife. After this occurred another passenger car driven by Lisa K. Bohanon, 35, of Benton struck the rear of Miss Walkers car sending her into the median.

Mr. Holloway and his wife Bonita, 57, of Paducah sought treatment for pain they were receiving in their backs. The driver of the Galant received care for leg injuries as did one of her passengers, 21 year old Brittni Lynn of Ledbetter. Mrs. Lynn was taken to surgery after arriving at the hospital. Her condition was thought to be stable. The other passenger of Miss Walkers car 3 year old Tyerra Walker was not treated for any injuries. Mrs. Bohanon was not injured as a result of this accident.

Further investigation of the scene found that a separate rear end collision occurred as a result of the first one. The parties involved were not injured according to Deputy Steve Croft.

At 5:00p.m. Deputies Eddie McGuire and Steve Croft responded to an injury accident at the intersection of North Friendship Rd. and Kimberly Dr. According to Deputy McGuire's report a 1992 Ford Explorer was rear ended while it was stopped in traffic. The driver, 43 year old Mark A. Cooper of Paducah stated that he was struck from behind while waiting to turn left onto Kimberly Dr. from North Friendship Rd. He refused medical treatment at the scene. Casandra D. Stigall 19, of Paducah was North bound on N. Friendship in a 2000 Kia Sephia and did not see the SUV until it was to late. She was treated at Western Baptist Hospital for injuries to her arm.

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