Three injured in central Newfoundland accident

Three people escaped life-threatening injuries in an accident Friday morning on Big Brook Bridge in Terra Nova Park near Glovertown.

“I think that 30 years ago this would have absolutely been a fatal crash,” RCMP Sgt. David Ossinger told The Telegram as he explained that new safety technologies helped play a factor in reducing the seriousness of injuries when a car lost control, causing a twovehicle accident.

One of those technologies occurred in the small eastbound car that lost control on the bridge deck around 7:30 a.m. Conditions were slushy on the deck bridge at the time.

As the car lost control, it swerved into the path of an oncoming van.

When the crash occurred, one of the safety features engaged was the engine detaching from the car as it is designed to do in extreme cases to absorb kinetic energy, Ossinger noted.

There was extensive damage to the car. Two passengers in the car and the driver of the van had to be removed with the Jaws of Life.

“Given the amount of damage, yes, these people were quite lucky. It’s very fortunate they were seat-belted,” Ossinger said of the car’s occupants.

The male and female passengers of the car were injured and the van driver suffered a leg injury, Ossinger said. All were taken to the Gander Hospital to be treated.

The investigation continues. Ossinger said speed may have been a factor and police are also looking at the condition of the car’s tires.