A two-vehicle head-on crash on Belle Terre Parkway early this afternoon required extrications of patients from both vehicles, the hospitalization of three people and the closure of Belle Terre’s southbound lanes from the north end of the Parkview Parkway loop.
“Upon arrival, the crews found multiple patients, and it ended up being three different trauma alerts,” Palm Coast Fire Department Battalion Chief Kyle Berryhill said at the scene, “we had to do extrication on both vehicles, but between our agency and the county rescue crews, we were able to get everyone out and headed to the local Trauma Center,” at Halifax hospital in Daytona Beach. The patients, all adults, were transported by ground ambulance.
“When we have weather like we’re having it can be hazardous for the helicopter to be up,” Berryhill said.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating. The vehicles involved were a Chevy and a Lexus. The Lexus appeared to be heading south. From indications at the scene, one of the vehicles was traveling north, drifted across the grassy median–based on track marks clearly visible at the scene–and struck the southbound vehicle head-on. Authorities say such circumstances develop when a driver may have a medical episode and is no longer in control of his or her vehicle, though it isn’t yet clear that that was the case today.
Both vehicles’ air bags deployed, and both vehicles’ front ends were severely damaged. None of the patients had a Glasgow Coma Scale score below 12, suggesting that their injuries were not life-threatening. The injuries were to the patients’ extremities and included broken bones.
The crash took place at 1:16 p.m. The Palm Coast Fire Police diverted southbound traffic to Parkview Parkway, which loops around the crash site. Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office also responded. The southbound lanes were closed for about an hour and a half, and reopened to one-lane traffic around 2:40 p.m.
B says
Hope everyone is ok but law enforcement need to watch belle Terre people do 60mph on it its 45mph
ASF says
Even before the heaviest rains came this weekend/early week, I noticed the roads were already flooding. There are serious drainage and sewer problems in Palm Coast that require immediate attention. Just wait until hurricane season starts in earnest.
Percy's mother says
Drainage problems have been going on FOR YEARS.
Just wait until hurricane season? No, just wait until rainy season.
For those who’ve been here in Palm Coast for longer than the last year or two, it goes with the territory.
TR says
I have been trying to get something done about the drainage in my neighborhood and was told point blank by the city official they are not going to do anything about it.
I was stuck in this traffic for a short time when I realized it was bad (even though I couldn’t see anything other than brake lights from the cars in front of me) I was able to do a u turn and go Pine Lakes Pkwy.
Karen says
I see so many on their phones flying on the highways
Jimbo99 says
“Authorities say such circumstances develop when a driver may have a medical episode and is no longer in control of his or her vehicle, though it isn’t yet clear that that was the case today.”
Doesn’t look like tires are worn from the photos that I could see ? That would indicate possible hydroplaning before going across the middle grassy median. And the tire tracks in the grassy middle means that it wasn’t a matter of a senior/geriatric driver losing their mind in confusion & driving completely the wrong way on the asphalt road. Wet grass ? Good luck stopping on that at the speed limit even in a panic stop situation. As much rain as we’ve had recently, you would think there would be deeper ruts and one of the cars to have mud or more debris around the wheel wells and lower panels of the vehicles for having driven thru the grassy middle median ?
Charlie Ericksen Jr says
Typical Bell Terre ” terror driving” …. In spite of the 45 MPH posted speed limit, the average is 50+ ,, Quick lane changes , no consideration for the other drivers, just GET OUT OF MY WAY ….Sorta like the idiots on SR100 of late.. With the number of FCSO stops I see there, it looks like INDY ….
A few weeks ago, a Northbound Belle Terre car came almost to my rear bumper , and then around me, Did this a few times more , to others , and disappeared , only to be seen 30 minutes later, in the Southbound lane , with $3000+ damage to her car, and the pickup she crashed into.
Looked about 18-20 YO,
Same type of people who disregard , walkers or bicycles in cross walks!!
Peaches McGee says
Belle Terre is one of the race tracks in the Palm Coast Speedway Division.
Other tracks include Royal Palm, Bird of Paradise, Parkview, and Old Kings.
Any skill level and age can join for free. Enforcement is spotty at best.
Mythoughts says
Belle Terre Parkway is like driving on Daytona International Speedway, I avoid it at all cost. No one follows the speed limits, I never see FCSO patrolling it.
For such a short road it is very dangerous and has a lot of accidents.
David Schaefer says
Can we say stupid. Palm Coast has been a race track for the last 30 years. As far as the swales go we have been on the dig out list for the last 4 years that’s TYPICAL…..
MikeM says
Yes many are in a hurry. Then again, many of our seniors drive below the speed limit. Either way, if the police set up more speed traps, the fines would probably pay the officers’ salaries after a week goes by. Nothing will slow a speeder down quicker than speeding tickets and jacked up insurance rates.
TR says
The roadway wasn’t wet enough for hydroplaning to happen. The roadway was damp at best, but mostly dry.
mark101 says
Its really simple., SLOW THE FRACK DOWN ! and PUT DOWN THE CELL PHONE !. Its that simple, really.
Bill says
We’ll drivers need to learn to SLOW DOWN and drive as road conditions allow &quit being in such a damn hurry everytime you get behind the wheel !
Sharon says
We need more police presence. Tickets ! I feel I am taking my life in my hands and rolling the dice every time I walk out my door . Palm Coast is a nightmare. I followed a police car down Belle Terre , switched from lane to lane , no blinker , glided through the light to right turn on red . I came here to retire , but my BP has been so high , we are selling and leaving . It’s only going to get worse. Politicians only care about financial gain . Not safety.