LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / April 1, 2000

NEW SARPY – A woman’s car was struck on the driver’s side by an eastbound Kansas City Southern train Thursday. The driver survived in fair condition,though the car was a total loss.

The driver, Renada Collins, 19, no address available, was northbound on East Harding Street, approaching Airline Highway at 1:45 p.m. She entered thecrossing and was struck square on the driver’s side.

The blue Oldsmobile was shoved by the train for at least a mile toward Ormond Boulevard before coming to a stop.

She was able to be removed by way of the passenger-side doorway with little difficulty.

Rescue workers had to use a four-wheeler to bring EMTs to the accident scene. Collins was then carried out on a stretcher to an ambulance waiting atOrmond Boulevard, assisted by East St. Charles Volunteer Fire Departmentpersonnel.

She was transported to East Jefferson Medical Center for treatment of her head injuries, according to Jerry Desselle of St. Charles Parish Hospital. Ahospital spokesman listed Collins’ condition as fair.

“She’s extremely lucky,” observed Sgt. John Pollard of the St. CharlesSheriff’s Office, who investigated the accident.

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