Upon arrival on scene by law enforcement officers it was confirmed to dispatch that one patient had been ejected and was unresponsive. Officers also advised one vehicle was on fire and all 3 lanes were blocked.
Preliminary investigation shows that Shondall Thorpe age 47 of Columbia along with her passenger Paul Thorpe age 32 was stopped in the left lane of KY 55 north. Thorpe was operating a 2004 Toyota 4 runner and was waiting for traffic to clear so she could make a left turn into a local business.
Brook Gains 32 of Manchester was traveling North on KY 55 in a 2016 Chevrolet Equinox. When she entered the left lane which serves as a passing lane and turning lane she failed to see that Thorpe was stopped awaiting to turn. Gains struck Thorpe in the rear end and knocked Thorpe‘s Toyota 4 runner into the south bound lane of KY 55.
When Thorpe’s vehicle entered the opposing south bound lane it was struck head on by a 2005 Chevrolet truck operated by 17 year old Alex Edwards and his passenger 20 year old Wesley Edwards. Edwards had no time to react or try to avoid the collision as Thorpes vehicle was knocked into his path.
During the collision Shondall Thorpe was ejected from the vehicle and came to rest 62 ft from where her vehicle came to rest.
Adair County Fire Department cleared a landing zone in the roadway and Thorpe was air lifted from the scene by helicopter to the University of Louisville with serious injuries.
Paul Thorpe, her passenger was treated and released. All other parties refused medical transport and sought treatment by private vehicle.
The accident was investigated by K-9 Deputy Chandler Staten with assistance from Sheriff Josh Brockman.
Responding Agencies include Adair County Sheriffs Office , Columbia Police Department, Adair County EMS, Adair County Fire Department and Emergency Management.