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November 28, 2012

W’burg man sent to hospital after crash

The Times-Tribune

CORBIN — By John L. Ross / Staff Writer

A Williamsburg man was rushed to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington after a crash on Wetstone Road Tuesday afternoon.

According to Whitley County Sheriff’s Deputy Shawn Jackson, Sammy Smith, 41, who resides on that street, was traveling on Wetstone Road when he lost control of his 2005 Pontiac.

“He failed to negotiate a curve and hit a tree head-on,” Jackson said.

When rescue personnel arrived, Smith was unconscious and unresponsive, according to Jackson. “He had to be removed by EMS workers,” he said.

An attempt was made to airlift Smith to the hospital, but Jackson said the weather was not cooperating at the time. Smith was transported via ambulance to Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin, where he was stabilized and transported to UK Medical Center.

At press time, he remained in critical condition. Jackson said Smith possibly suffered severe internal injuries in the abdominal area.

An investigation continues, as it appears prescription pills may have played a part in this crash, Jackson said.

“We believe there were prescription narcotics involved in this accident,” he said. “And it is not known how many prescriptions (Smith may have taken).”

Jackson said it did not appear that weather played a part in this crash. “There’s no indication he ever activated the brakes before he hit the tree,” he said, adding Smith failed to use his safety belt. “(But) a seat belt would have mattered.”

“It’s very unfortunate when anyone gets injured in a crash,” he continued. “Especially when there’s (a possibility) of prescription drugs involved.”

The Rockholds and Woodbine volunteer fire departments and Whitley County EMS assisted in this crash.

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