No Injuries in Single Car Accident Near Apartment Complex

An automobile accident near a large Springfield housing development came close to tragedy this morning. Through a fortunate sequence of events, there were no significant injuries.

Springfield fire fighters who responded to the scene said that a blue minivan unoccupied save for the driver rolled off away from the parking lot at the Lakeside by Briant Park apartment complex at approximately 10 a.m. For reasons yet to be determined, the minivan rolled into a steep embankment that drops about 20 feet into a shallow and rocky creek.

Firefighters said the car struck a tree after going over the edge. The force of hitting the tree was enough to bounce the minivan up to the edge of the road. Witnesses from nearby apartments said they were able to see the back bumper of the minivan from the lot.

The female driver of the car, shaken but not seriously injured by the accident, was able to climb out of the back of the van on her own, firefighters said. A Township fire engine towed the vehicle back up to the parking lot. A commercial tow truck was called to the scene to tip the overturned car back onto its wheels.

Police were interviewing the driver while Patch was present. The driver was standing and appeared responsive to questions.

Two children’s strollers sat on the grassy area near the minivan’s dislodged bumper, illustrating how much more devastating the accident had the potential to be.