Three young women were taken to hospital Saturday evening following a serious motor-vehicle collision on Columbus Drive in St. John’s.
The incident happened when their car slammed into a concrete light pole on the median between Thorburn Road and Old Pennywell Road. The impact was so violent that a piece of concrete was ripped from the pole and Newfoundland Power workers had to be called in to assess its integrity.
Police also closed that section of road in both directions to investigate the collision which left the front end of the car with extensive damage. The road was expected to be closed for about two hours to complete the photos and scene measurements.
The RNC called the collision serious, and while they initially said none of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening, later reports said injuries were considered serious.
On Sunday, Stephanie Murrin posted a GoFundMe page stating that her sister, Lindsay, was a backseat passenger in the accident.
"As much as we know right now she has a broken neck, shatterd back, broken pelvis, severe mouth injuries and many more broken bones," it stated on the GoFundMe page. "She is set for surgery to hopefully save her from being paralyized for the rest of her life."
"Surgery will happen on Monday as we are waiting for a Neurologist to fly in to try and repair her back and neck," it stated in the post. "Her road to recovery will be extremely hard and long. She is of course unable to work and will not be able to work for a long time, if ever."
The police are looking for witnesses to the accident. Alcohol was thought to be a factor in the crash. You call toll free 1-800-222-TIPS (1-800-222-8477) or text TIP190 plus your message to "CRIMES" (274637).
More details will be provided as they become available.