by John Osborn ·
Sunday, October 12, 2014
A car ends up on its side after an accident on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 12. in front of the General Store. (Courtesy photo)A car driven by a Lancaster resident returning home from the annual Columbus Day Weekend Flea Market at the Bromfield School was flipped on its side this afternoon as it attempted to pass or avoid a vehicle stopped in front of the General Store on Still River Road.
The accident occurred at approximately 2:50 p.m. According to Harvard police officer Daniele Fortunato the vehicle, a white Toyota Avalon, had attempted to pass to the right of a black Saab sedan waiting to make a left turn from Still River Road into the parking area in front of the General Store. The Toyota jumped the curb, caught its right front fender on the cable supporting a utility pole and rode part way up the guy wire before falling onto its left side, crushing its mirror and trapping the driver and his wife inside.
There were no injuries, but the right rear panel of the Saab and right front assembly of the Toyota were damaged. After being righted, the Toyota was taken away on a flatbed by Terranova of Ayer, but the Saab was able to drive away from the scene. Neither driver was charged with a motor vehicle violation, according to Fortunato.
Eyewitnesses said that when the car landed on its side, several bystanders rushed to free the couple inside, holding the car steady, removing the vehicle's sun roof and helping the pair out through its opening. Both were wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.
On scene within moments of the accident were members of the Harvard police, two engines from the fire department and the ambulance.