Seven cars involved in Mishawaka accident Save Email Print
Mishawaka
Posted: 12:20 PM Aug 26, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:33 AM Aug 27, 2008
 Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com
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An accident this morning near the corner of Hickory Road and Edison Road in Mishawaka involved seven cars, and put two people in the hospital in critical condition.

Police say a woman was heading north on Hickory Road around 9:30 this morning, traveling at a high rate of speed, when she clipped one car and kept going.

She then hit two more cars, severely damaging one.

The driver continued, hitting two more cars before colliding head-on with a third.

One of the people in the hospital was in the car that caused the damage.

Police think the driver may have been driving fast because she was having a seizure or a heart attack.

Traffic is being re-routed through the Cinemark Movies 14 parking lot and the Family Dollar parking lot.

Police expect the intersection to be closed for several more hours while the accident is cleaned up.
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Posted by: Me Location: Indiana on Aug 29, 2008 at 09:35 PM
They can't charge men higher insurance rates, thats illegal (sexual discrimination) and a myth that far to many people believe.. I am a licensed insurance rep for the past 10 years.. sorry it isn't true!
Posted by: MWWriter Location: Mishawaka on Aug 28, 2008 at 05:33 PM
To Ivy and Buffy: What witty comments on the insurance vehicle involved in the accident. Guessing each of you really had to work those walnut sized brains of yours overtime to come up with those insights. Two of you should do stand-up... say somewhere out in North Dakota. I'd be thrilled to chip in for a Greyhound bus tickets to get you out there. I know the driver of that vehicle. You two rocket scientists need to grow up.
Posted by: women driver Location: new paris on Aug 28, 2008 at 02:32 PM
Good post Renee from south bend- The people that post such judgemental comments will pay for them when it is there judgement day from GOD. To the ones speaking about women drivers say that to your mother, wife, etc. see how far you get. And by the way, I have been driving for 25 years with no tickets, warnings. Had 2 accidents totaling both vehichles caused by men.
Posted by: DDB Location: SOUTH BEND on Aug 27, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Brendon, I am a close with the person who was driving the PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE VEHICLE. I want to let you know they have no resentment. They are praying for your mother with kind and compassioniate hearts. I'm not sure how your mother is doing nor any of the other people involved in the accident. I do know that Bob and his family need prayers. I wont explain details on the internet. I just beg for all of us to pray for all that were involved in this accident and hope all to a healthy recovery. Brendon I appreciate your courage for responding on the site.
Posted by: justin Location: mish on Aug 27, 2008 at 06:20 PM
to me at 3:27 The reason men have higher insurance rates is because men are more pron to do crazy stuff in cars. My sister rear-ends someone in her Neon just driving normal at 30 mph . I crash my Camaro trying to drift it around a corner at 85 mph. (for those who dont know what drifting is. Its when you slide a car sideways around a corner). Anyone can cause an accident.
Posted by: Renee Location: South Bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 05:03 PM
The woman driving the car had a heart attack. She was then without oxygen for 15 minutes and declared dead at the scene. She is now on life support and in an induced coma. They are removing life support tomorrow to see if she can breathe on her own. Her name is Judy Traynor and I worked with her for a number of years. Great person. I really wish people would have some compassion before jumping to ridiculous conclusions. You are not the judge of anyone so please quit judging.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Pam, I agree with you 100%, it's almost like people are desperately looking for anything negative they can have a good rant about!! This was an accident, I hope everyone involved is ok, this also includes the poor woman who experienced a heart attack at the wheel. It could happen to any one of us at any time! I'm sure every person who was involved isn't as judgemental as the people commenting on here sitting up in their Ivory Towers. Give the poor woman a break, she did NOTHING wrong!! If you want a good rant, there's some other articles on here with REAL criminals!!! I wish the woman well and hope she has a speedy recovery, my thoughts are with the family.
Posted by: DB Location: NE Indiana on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:14 PM
Hey Yuppp...woman driver here. Never a speeding ticket or any moving violation in my 40 yrs and the only accidents I've been in where being hit from behind...twice...both by MEN who weren't paying attention!! How's your record?
Posted by: Me Location: SB on Aug 27, 2008 at 02:07 PM
To YUPPP, if woman are such bad drivers, then why is our insurance rates cheaper than men. Can you explain that one to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have a perfect driving record by the way.
Posted by: Accidents Do Happen Location: SB on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:57 PM
First, my prayers to all involved. Second, a close friend of the family also suffered a heart attack years ago. She died after hitting a pole head on. The reason people usually hit the gas is that's usually where your foot is last when something this horrific happens. Quit judging and those that did probably feel like real idiots now - don't you. God speed.
Posted by: Pam Location: South Bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Everyone, including media and citizens should not be so quick to assume someone was doing something wrong or under the influence of drugs or alcohol until they have all the facts. This was something that could happen to any one of us. How sad for her children and family to have to bear all these speculative opinions in such a time of great tragedy and sorrow. We need to learn save our judgement for a much higher power than us. One comment yesterday was made about her probably being on her cell phone and people like that, etc, etc....how insensitive...we need to stop and remember, what if that happens to me or my family?
Posted by: raggedy Location: south bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:33 PM
TO YUPPP Say that to your MOTHER and be prepared to pay for it. If women or elderly people should not drive then be around to take them to work the store dr visits church ect ect wake up !
Posted by: Anonymous Location: new paris on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:31 PM
To mr yuppp- Sounds like you have a grudge on women, that is pretty rude to put all of them in one catagory. I know alot of women with perfect driving records with no accidents!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Posted by: HOnest One on Aug 27, 2008 at 11:16 AM
I never will understand why people who have distress while driving, always press the GAS instead of the brakes. Does your years of driving suddenly disappear.
Posted by: DB Location: NE Indiana on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Brendon...please know I am thinking of your Mother and your family. I pray she recovers from her heart attack. I also know of a woman in our area who did the same thing...had an attack behind the wheel and drove aimlessly at a very high rate of speed, hitting a truck and then crashing into a ditch. She didn't survive, and it was the attack that killed her. I don't know statistics, but it appears to be a common thing when a driver has a heart attack. It seems that the brain can't think straight and things go haywire. It's unfortunate and again, I hope your Mother is soon ok. For all of you making snide and rude comments, you should be totally ashamed. Grow up!!!
Posted by: Linda Location: Granger on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:06 AM
What happened is a really terrible thing. The fact is, it was an ACCIDENT, not something the driver did intentionally. I hope and pray everyone will be OK.
Posted by: pavi Location: south bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:53 AM
People, accidents happen, we can't live in a protective bubble or make laws to prevent them. It's very sad that this happened, but life is full of sad. More laws are not the answer. We have enough of them to begin with and the enforcement of those is questionable. My thoughts and prayers out to the families involved.
Posted by: gary smith Location: mishawaka on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:46 AM
ok to all the dumb ppl who say" if your prone" wake up!!! like ppl know when they will have the attacks and this lady never had past problems.. bet if it was your om or grandmother you wouldnt be saying things you are saying now.. wake up u morons
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:41 AM
That lady should be put in jail for causing such a horrific accident. Her day of judgement will come.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Why was she going in the opposite direction of the hospital? Are you kidding me? Hhmmm maybe she was on her way to breakfast and simply doesn't like hospital food!! I can't believe some of the comments on here!!! Why didn't she turn off the ignition on her last breath? Priceless!! The woman was obviously experiencing a serious medical issue at the time of the accident, do you really think under normal circumstances a person would do 80/90 MPH hitting one car after another? I hope everyone involved is ok, but some of these comments are just laughable.
Posted by: Brendon Location: South Bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:54 AM
The "woman in the blue car" is my mother. She had a heart attack while driving to work yesterday morning. She passed out and her foot hit the accelerator causing the accidents. She was not under the influence of any drugs or alcohol at the time. It was just a terrible accident and my heart as well as the thoughts and prayers of my family, go out to all of the all other drivers involved. Please keep my mother in your prayers too as she is in critical condition and needs the strength of our entire community at this time. Thank you and God Bless.
Posted by: M Location: South Bend on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:19 AM
How sad for everyone involved and how sad that our community has people who actually have horrid thoughts like those listed below without any regard for anyone.
Posted by: Brandi Location: granger on Aug 27, 2008 at 07:08 AM
please god be with those that got hurt and need u right now .. and please be with the ones that wanna judge others they need u also :) i pray for a speedy recovery and pray that god is wiht their family to help them thru this .. AMEN!!!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 01:50 AM
there is alot more medical incidents out there then the public knows, and it will be worse since memorial is cutting staff and nursing positions are't being fullfilled. Every dept is extremly short staffed. Nurses are very unhappy. fearing that something awful will happen. But construction keeps on going, and upper management has jobs. When will it be safe. after someone dies?
Posted by: MM on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:30 AM
tough love but true.sick people need to walk. in the late 80s/early 90s in chicago old people were causing accidents like driving thru plate glass business windows. take personal responsibility and get medical care and walk..
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 27, 2008 at 12:03 AM
Yeah Al..because when I have a heart attack or stroke I'm going to just get in my car and go.... Why would I even bother calling 911 when I can just conveniently drive there myself?....Yeah you're just a dumb one.
Posted by: angi3 on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:26 PM
Does it really matter what kind of insurance he carried. Why don't we all keep Robert and his famaily in our prayers and quit worry about the stuff that doesn't matter. Bob is a very caring and wonderful person.
Posted by: samaree Location: South Bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 10:04 PM
I live a few blocks from the site of the accident. I was upset today because I was scheduled for a shift about two hours later than usual. If I had worked my usual shift, my husband could have been driving me to work when this occurred. There but for the grace of God, go I. I wish everyone who was involved in this accident (victims, witnesses, by-standers and rescuers) my heartfelt prayers and gratitude.
Posted by: Sarah Location: St. Joseph on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:24 PM
To Anonomous, first of all it said heart attack, stroke or siezure. Anyone can have any of the above without warning and without any disorder. If that were the case we would have to pull licenses for anyone over the age of 30 because that is when you risks of haveing a heart attack start to increase. How uneducated are you? To the poster that asked why the vehicle wasn't heading towards a hospital.. are you serious? Ok.. well when you have your first heart attack god forbid.. make sure you are thinking about how to get to the hospital right at that very second, don't panic and worry about the pain you are in and the loss of your ability to think or move some of your limbs, that is just reckless! People, you need to educate yourself before you open your mouths and say such ridiculous statements.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Jeff: Your an idiot! I thought this was for comments on the accident? Nice tirade on south bend( your right of course) move to flint I hear it's beautiful-cya
Posted by: Patti Location: South Bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:57 PM
Praying for fellow agent Judy, the other driver Robert, and their families. God be with them
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Mishawaka on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:51 PM
What's almost as tragic as this accident is the ignorance of the first 2 comments on here. People drop dead from heart attacks every day. Many have no warning signs. It's as if people would rather criticize than sympathize. How sad. And as far as the comments joking about the Progressive auto being insured, you are obviously complete morons who have no comprehension of what tragedy means. Get a life.
Posted by: confused Location: mishawaka on Aug 26, 2008 at 08:48 PM
If they start banning drivers for talking on their cell phones, then I guess the police would be s.o.l. I see more of them talking on their cell phones than anything, and you can't say they are responding to a call because that's what the c.b. radios are for. Now as far as texting and driving, I am for a law against that, some people are out of control. But talking and driving is the same as singing the song on the radio and driving or better yet, listening to wndu on the radio!!!
Posted by: John Location: Granger on Aug 26, 2008 at 07:26 PM
That was from the standpoint of mechanical engineering, several of those cars took a serious shot; get well
Posted by: Praying for those injured Location: Mishawaka on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:54 PM
The woman in the accident is a dear friend and is a wonderful, fun, & caring person. Accidents are accidents. In a case like this I am sure the very last thing she wanted to do was hurt herself, anyone else, or damage anything. Please pray for those injured and for a quick recovery. Things are replacable - People are not! Hug your loved ones, you never know what is going to happen or when it is going to happen.
Posted by: John Location: Granger on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:52 PM
Just think if they were driving Corvairs. Bless, strength, get well.
Posted by: friend on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:26 PM
Driver at 1:47...a medical condition is easier to forgive??? Easier to forgive......Are you kidding me??? I am sure her sons will be happy to hear that someone is willing to forgive their mother for having a massive heart attack, as they sit by her bedside praying she wakes up. You forgive people that make mistakes..idiot.
Posted by: yuppp Location: Women cant drive on Aug 26, 2008 at 06:09 PM
could have all of been avoided by simply not letting women drive in the first place. They are horrible drivers
Posted by: pam Location: south bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 05:21 PM
ok stephanie let's say all people above the age of 30 can'nt drive anymore. you could have a heart attack or something. now of course i bet your not anywhere near that age and of course you never talk on the phone, put your face on, or better yet eat a bowl of something while driving down the street be real!
Posted by: Laura D. Location: Elkhart on Aug 26, 2008 at 05:20 PM
I hope all involved have a speedy recovery. Sometimes accidents happen, its up to you how to handle it. Hug the ones you love and live for every day. May turn out this could hit close to home next time.
Posted by: hiawathamarie@yahoo.com Location: ELKHART IND. on Aug 26, 2008 at 05:09 PM
I THINK PEOPLE THAT HAVE A MEDICAL PROBLEMS TO LET THE BMV. SO PEOPLES OUT THERE ON THE HYWAYS I KNOW BECAUSE I WAS NOT ALOUD TO DRIVE FOR ONE YEAR BECAUSE IT HAPPEND TO ME LAST YEAR BECAUSE OF COMPLCATIONS FROM DIABETIESN

Please do not post in all capital letters. Thanks. -WNDU.com
Posted by: Anonymous Location: mishawaka on Aug 26, 2008 at 04:55 PM
evreyoneone has the right to their own opinion even if it is wrong or right. And my prayers go out to the people that were involved in this accident.
Posted by: justin Location: mish on Aug 26, 2008 at 04:41 PM
what she was'nt on a cell phone
Posted by: Anonymous Location: South Bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 04:38 PM
"I hope law makers will work hard to pass some type of law not letting people who are prone to this conditions drive." Good grief. FYI, most people who know they are prone to seizures willingly do not drive - as is the case with my aunt. She gave up her license willingly rather than chance endangering her life and the lives of others. It was her own personal decision. A law is unnecessary and would only be incredibly insulting. There are far worse drivers out there than the occasional victim of a seizure or heart attack - like those who think they have to apply their makeup in the car, read the news, and send a billion texts all within their 20 minute commute to work...the distracted driver is much more common and more dangerous than the driver who doesn't know he's going to have a heart attack or seizure.
Posted by: Shawn Location: Mishawaka,IN on Aug 26, 2008 at 04:02 PM
If this was due to her having a medical condition...it was clearly an accident. No one plans on having a heart attack or a stroke. Before classifying people who are 'prone' to have something like this happen, they better start banning drivers from talking/texting on their cell phones!!! And I agree with a comment before about punishing them like drunk drivers.
Posted by: Al on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:56 PM
So if that is her reason for this carnage, then why was she headed NORTH on Hickory Road? Was she going to go to the Hickory Village Office or Movies 14 for emergency medical treatment? Sounds like a bad excuse. When in medical trouble, drive AWAY from all hospitals….! By the way, just look how "safe and well built" SUV's are, like the one in the picture. Good thing it wasn't a Hummer. Hummers get DESTROYED in collisions, and by smaller vehicles, at that. I hope all of this maniacs victims are alright. This might be the lady I recently saw driving an SUV down Main Street while looking in her rear view mirror and TWEEZING HER EYEBROWS! Lost count of how many cars SHE cut off!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: South Bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:44 PM
To Anonymous @ 1:48 - This is the most stupid comment I have ever read. Are you serious??? To the others that have joked about the insurance vehicle - shame on you! I know one of the individuals that was involved in this accident and trust me, your coments are NOT funny.
Posted by: jim on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:41 PM
in the so bend trib article, she aideswiped a car at hickory and catalpa, several blocks so of the edison intersection. maybe this babe was just in such a hurry she did't care who she hit.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:25 PM
This is for the station. Why would you even post someones comment as ridiculous as the two first comments? "Last breath turn off ignition" and the one about making a law for people with medical conditions. I hope the family members of this poor woman do not read these comments.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Granger on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:08 PM
For the two ignorant people that posted at 1:48 and 1:41, this is why it is called an "accident". Most medical conditions are completely unknown until they happen and without warning. So no time to think "hey I think I better turn off my ignition now before I cause a 7 car pill up". You both should be ashamed of yourselves and should use your time and energy praying for the recovery of these individuals involved and for their family members. I have been and will continue to pray for all those injured to have a full recovery.
Posted by: JEFF Location: MISHAWAKA on Aug 26, 2008 at 02:07 PM
in reguards to the prior response from Stephanie, nobody can predict when you will have heart attack or seizure. The South Bend/Mishawaka police department cant even stop easy things like CRACK DEALERS AND SHOOT-OUTS! Look at the entire West side! Shame on South Bend. Its embarrasing living here and I cant wait to leave
Posted by: raggedy Location: south bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 01:48 PM
that was terrible. but many thanks to all the men and women that came out there to control that traffic and to help those people sometimes there is no warning that you are becoming ill not like when you are drunk or on drugs
Posted by: Driver Location: South Bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Medical condition is easier to forgive than a driver using a cell phone and operating a car. Laws DO need to change so that those using cell phones are treated the same as drunk drivers. If someone thinks their phone call is so important then they need to pull off the road to talk instead of risking the lives of others on the road.
Posted by: SHANNON Location: south bend on Aug 26, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Some things are out of our control. No one knows when they are going to have a stroke or heart attack----when you wake up in the morning do you think to yourself "gee, I am going to have a heart attack today." No one knows and everyone is prone to health ailments. I hope everyone will be okay.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 26, 2008 at 01:43 PM
Yeah, turn off the ignition because you know you're about to pass out. How ignorant for you to say that. Hope all involved will be ok.
Posted by: firefighter Location: mishawaka on Aug 26, 2008 at 01:42 PM
To Anonymous: Nobody really knows when they are going to have a stroke or heart attack. That is not something you can plan for or expect. The onset can be so suddent that you can't do anything about it. Yes they could come up with some type of law that would prevent some more prone to stoke, seizure, heartattack, etc. from driving, but think of how many people that would affect, not to mention who will pay for all those tests to determine that a person can or cant drive. Accidents are just that, accidents. No one could have prevented it nor forseen it coming.