Airbags Credited for Saving Life in Rollover Accident on 159th St.
Two people were taken to Christ after a collision that left car parts all over 159th Street near 84th Avenue, blocking traffic moving both ways.
Police are investigating the cause of an accident Wednesday evening that left two people injured, and two cars totaled out with debris thrown across a stretch of 159th Street.
The Orland Fire Protection District was called about the crash in the 8400 block of 159th Street, near the entrance of the Mercedes dealership, just after 6 p.m. An SUV was left with heavy front damage, coming to rest on the north side of 159th Street, while a sedan also was heavily damaged and stopped on the street’s south side, Orland Fire Battalion Chief William Bonnar said.
The driver of the SUV was the only person riding in it, and was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center. Two of the three people in the sedan were checked for injuries, but chose not to be taken to the hospital, Bonnar said. One passenger in the sedan was pinned inside the wrecked car, and needed extensive extrication to be removed, Bonnar said.
Teams from an engine with the Tinley Park Fire Department and an engine team from Orland cut away at the car to get the passenger out, which took about 20 minutes, Bonnar said. The passenger was then taken to Christ as well.
“The curtain, seat and front air bags probably saved that person’s life,” Bonnar said. “The amount of crush on that car and what it took to cut that person out, the only reason that person is alive is the air bags. It definitely prevented a death there.”
The accident left debris all across and 80-foot wide stretch of 159th Street. Tinley Park and Orland Park police officers were recreating the scene and talking to witnesses as of 7:30 p.m. Traffic moving in both directions was blocked.
Two Orland engines came to the scene, as well as a Tinley engine, an Orland ambulance and a Trace ambulance, along with police personnel from Orland and Tinley.
“We’re glad no one was killed in this crash,” Bonnar said. “Airbags really made a difference. We see less and less severe injuries from crashes because of them.”
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In This article
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Orland Fire Protection District Firehouse One and Administration Center
9788 W 151st St, Orland Park, IL
Jean Oliver
1:46 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
That was my daughter who got smashed in the car. Please pray for her recovery.
Pamela
7:42 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
I passed that accident on my way home and when I saw that car I said a prayer right then and there for the people in that car. I really didn't think there would be any survivors. I am very glad to hear that your daughter is ok. My prayers were answered. I hope the two that were with her are ok too. I can't believe they weren't taken to the hospital. I definitely will keep your daughter in my prayers for her recovery. Please keep us updated as to how she is doing!
Michele Schwartz
10:18 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Prayers on the way! Please understand the IMPORTANCE of Seat Belts!
Brenda
6:30 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Best wishes and a quick recovery! Glad to heart no fatalities were inn this accident and that there wag no child in the car seat off to the side of the accident! Jean, which car was she in?
Jean Oliver
10:38 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
the baby was in the car with my daughter but thankfully her car seat was on the drivers side of the car and not the passenger side that was hit.
Claudia
9:29 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
I also passed and thought there would not be any survivors and said a prayer. Very glad to hear no fatalities. May your daughter have a quick recovery.
11344
10:27 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
She was with her fiancé and 1 1/2 year old daughter and they have no problems because they were on the drivers side of the car. She was in the silver Honda accord.
Carrie Frillman
10:51 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Jean, thank you so much for sharing your story. Please send our positive thoughts to your daughter and her family. I'm so glad everyone is safe and we'll all be thinking about those involved in this crash.
Jean Oliver
11:21 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
thank you very much
Valerie Adams
11:48 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Oh my, Aunt Jean, I am very glad everyone is okay!
Justin
11:48 am on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Thank you everyone for the support it means a lot that total strangers care. Me and my daughter are fine my fiance is in the hospital still and prob will be for a while Im just hoping this is all done and over with fast and she heals fast. Thanks again
Ben Feldheim
12:43 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Justin and Jean, thank you so much for sharing with us. We'll be keeping everyone in our prayers. I echo what Carrie said, and we'll be hoping for a swift as possible recovery.
Sue
7:56 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Hi Justin, I am Kennys mom and he told me about it yesterday after it happend! I am so glad to hear you are all alive after seeing the pictures..we are sending prayers your way and if you guys need anything, please let us know!
ANNA MUSACCHIO
12:56 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
ANNA MY NEPHEW WAS ONE OF THE OTHER VEHICLES DAMAGED IN THIS ACCIDENT ,HE TOOK THE BABY OUT OF THE CAR. HE IS A MINISTER AND YOU CAN BELIEVE PRAYERS WERE BEING SENT UPWARDS FAST AND FURIOUS.
GOD STILL ANSWERS PRAYER --- HE TELLS US TO CALL UNTO ME AND I WILL SHOW YOU GREAT AND MARVELOUS THINGS.
Vicki
3:22 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
God Bless him and I hope he is okay too?
ANNA MUSACCHIO
1:28 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
I FEEL VERY HAPPY THAT NO ONE WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED AS ACCIDENTS LIKE THIS TURN INTO NIGHTMARES THAT NEVER GO AWAY
Linda
2:07 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Wishing you all the best for a full recovery. I was not far behind the accident after it happened. It was a scary sight! The Angels were with you all! God Bless!
frank
2:46 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
We need more feel good comments.
God bless everyone.
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Lori Cromwell
6:02 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
Anna I hate to let you know but my niece is fighting for her life. She underwent surgery today and has no feeling in her arm. She will be undergoing more surgery when she is strong enough. She is in very bad shape.
lisa
7:09 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
you have a lot of people praying for her......I would just like to add to what the police said about the airbags saving lives....airbags will only do their job of the passengers are wearing their seatbelts. They work together. Some people forget that or have a false sense of security, or just plain don't know this. An airbag without wearing your seatbelt could be fatal in a crash......Ok I'll get off my soap box! Thank you to all our local police and fire dept. They did a great job yesterday, and I will pray for the young mom and her family.
Jean Oliver
9:39 pm on Thursday, June 14, 2012
This is Becca's mom. I want to thank everyone for their prayers and support. It means so much. And to have so much support from complete strangers is just incredible. Becca has been seriously hurt but she will recover and that will be a long road ahead. I also would like to thank the paramedics, fire department, police department and anyone else who was at the scene to help Becca, Justin and Shaynna, And of course to thank all the doctors and nurses who took care of them in the er and who have been taking care of Becca since she was brought into the hospital. I cannot express how grateful we all are for all their help in taking care of Justin and Shaynna and for putting my daughter back together so she can have a full recovery. Thank you all so very much!
jolly
6:44 am on Friday, June 15, 2012
This is justins mom I want to thank every one for helping justin rebecca and shyanna for their help and support and continue to pray for becca
Katie Trebes
7:09 am on Friday, June 15, 2012
Jean,
Is it true Becca had surgery on her arm and she has no feeling??? I hope there isn't nerve damage. I know when people are involved in a car accident it is easy to hate the other person for it but Becca's Aunt is scared and worried for her niece and angry which the only path to direct that is to the other person. I hope Becca is okay. Justin I am glad you and Shaynna are okay. And Becca will make through this Justin keep your faith in God.
Jean Oliver
8:23 am on Friday, June 15, 2012
Yes Katie,
Becca had surgery on her leg and arm yesterday. She does have a severely bruised main nerve in her arm and does not have full function of it yet. She is moving her fingers a little which is awesome but that is all right now. The doctors say we just have to wait to see how much movement comes back but it can take up to a year. She is having surgery on her face this afternoon. I know she will pull thru that surgery just as awesome as the first one. Thank you all for your concern, well wishes and prayers. Becca and our family, extended family and friends so appreciate everything so very much!
Margie Smith
8:16 am on Friday, June 15, 2012
Dear Jean, Justin & Becca's family of Aunts Uncles & cousins. My Heart goes out to you. I am Natalie Smith's Mom my daughter is a a friend of your Becca.
Please know, My prayers and that of our entire family are with you.
God Bless! Sincerely, Margie Smith (Natalie Smith's Mother)
Justin
1:04 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
Thank you margie means a lot
rebecca sinnott
4:14 pm on Friday, June 15, 2012
i love you becca justin and shaynna!! praying for you guys still!!!!
Orland Resident
6:34 pm on Monday, June 18, 2012
After reading of the accident and praying for Becca, the Lord put this book in my hands. "Miracle for Jen". It is my hope that you will find comfort in hearing about God's miracle.
Jean Oliver
11:40 pm on Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Hi, I just wanted to let all the concerned people know that Becca is doing well. She is out of the hospital but has to stay at her grandmother's for a few months since she is not able to walk and cannot go up and down stairs. She will be having a lot of therapy for her leg and arm and hand but she is so strong I know she will do well. She also has something to work towards since she will be getting married to Justin in December and she wants to walk down the aisle with no assistance. So please everyone still keep Becca in your prayers that she will fully recover. Thank you :)