Archive for July, 2011

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27
Jul

Elderly Sisters Injured in Nashville House Fire

July 27, 2011

Two elderly sisters in Nashville, Tennessee are thankful for a young man that came to their rescue when they were trapped in a house fire Monday evening. In an interview with News Channel 4, the brave 19-year old told reporters he was on his way to pick up a pair of cleats at his grandmother’s house when he noticed smoke coming from a neighbor’s home. Firefighters say the fire started from a stove that was left on and unattended.

The young man was familiar with the women who live in the home and immediately went to check on their well-being. While on the phone with emergency responders, he was met at the door with a plume of black smoke and heat radiating from the handle. With that entry option eliminated, and hearing the women screaming from inside, he moved to a window at the side of the house and broke it open with his own hands. Firefighters soon arrived and were able to go in and rescue the women. They found one in bed and the other in a hallway.

Emergency responders performed CPR on one of the women at the site, but once her condition stabilized, both sisters were transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center to be treated for smoke inhalation and other injuries.

Popularity: 2% [?]

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20
Jul

Tennessee Distracted Driving Laws Amended

July 20. 2011

An amendment to Tennessee’s laws regarding distracted driving changed earlier this month, making the penalties for causing a pedestrian or bicyclist fatality much more severe. The Knoxville Sentinel News reported the change took effect on July 1st and made the penalty for killing a pedestrian or bicyclist a class A misdemeanor, instead of a class C violation. The punishment could result in just under 12 months in prison, a revocation of a driver’s license for up to a year, and a $500 fine. Causing an injury could result in imprisonment for up to 6 months, revocation of a driver’s license for up to six months, and a $250 fine.

The amendment was backed by Bike Walk Tennessee, after receiving numerous reports of individuals hitting and killing bikers and pedestrians, and essentially, walking away. Caroline Cooley, a Knoxville member of the board of directors for Bike Walk Tennessee, stated, “This law brings criminal consequences and increases the possibility of having a civil lawsuit as well.”

The Metropolitan Planning Commission’s bicycling coordinator, Kelley Segars, agreed, saying distracted driving is a huge issue these days as more electronic devices enter our lives and fear of encounters with these dangerous drivers is the main reason why people do not bike or walk more. She hopes the law will encourage safer driving habits and curb some of that fear.

Popularity: 2% [?]

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13
Jul

Sheriff’s Deputy Causes Accident in Pursuit of Cheeseburger

July 13, 2011

Many concerned citizens are questioning why action isn’t being taken against a Maury County Sheriff’s Department reserve captain who caused multiple traffic accidents in his pursuit of a cheeseburger. According to News Channel 5, the captain used his blue emergency lights to merge into the busy intersection of James Campbell Boulevard and Hatcher Lane in Columbia, Tennessee. He cut another driver off, which led to a chain-reaction wreck as the first driver was rear-ended by another who didn’t have time to respond. Injuries were sustained by the drivers and passengers of both vehicles affected by the officer’s maneuver.

Police confirmed that the officer was not responding to a call when the incident occurred. When asked to explain his actions, he said he was on his way to get a cheeseburger at the Bypass Deli in Columbia. The officer was not cited, and has not been reprimanded by the Sheriff’s Department for his misuse of emergency signals.

Accident victims told reporters they’ve already spent thousands of dollars on car repairs and medical bills, and are contemplating legal action.

An officer of the law should only use blue lights and sirens in emergency situations. In this case, the captain’s use of blue lights could be considered negligent behavior.

Popularity: 3% [?]

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6
Jul

One Killed, One Injured in Nashville Plant Fire

July 6, 2011

Fire marshals are still investigating the cause of a Nashville, Tennessee metal plant fire that left one worker dead and another hospitalized in critical condition.

The Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors Association states that the incident occurred Saturday at 9:15 AM at 3731 Amy Lynn Drive, the site of the John W. McDougall Company, an architectural and industrial metal manufacturer. Two men, 26 and 28 years of age, were painting in the plant when fumes inside the enclosed space sparked, causing a flash fire.

The 28-year-old suffered burns all over his body, according to Fox 17 News, and died Tuesday morning at Vanderbilt Medical Center. The 26-year-old was also transported to Vanderbilt Medical Center, suffering severe burns to his face and arms. He was last listed in critical condition.

Flash fires are extremely dangerous because of their sudden appearance and extreme temperatures. A flash fire is particularly hazardous in enclosed spaces, due to the quick combustion of oxygen and the amount of smoke produced. The combination of these factors leads to a high probability of death from asphyxiation or smoke inhalation.

Such fires are often caused by negligible or completely lacking ventilation of work areas.

Popularity: 3% [?]