A rescue squad with the help of Sheriff Dale Bozarth uses the Jaws of Life to cut free the passenger side of the truck so EMT’s could get to Clark Roach. Roach was transported by helicopter to Deaconess in Evansville. No report on injuries at this time. Jonathan Smith appeared uninjured but was taken to Owensboro Health.
Two Hancock County High School students, Johnathon Smith and Clark Roach, were traveling to the high school at around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, March 16th. Smith was driving when the truck hit an abutment on a bridge, approximately 6 miles south of Hawesville on Hwy 69.
Brittany, the mother of Clark Roach, comforts Jonathan Smith as she has just arrived a the scene.
Johnathon exited the vehicle and did not appear to be injured. Clark was injured and pinned inside, on the passenger side of the truck. Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputies along with volunteer firefighters arrived on the scene and were unable to remove the door to get him out.
Hancock County Rescue Squad arrived with the jaws of life. They cut the door and got Clark out of the truck. He was then transported by helicopter to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville.
Richard Smith, Johnathon’s father, went to the scene as soon as he got word. Johnathon was very upset about the well being of his friend, Clark. The two students usually attend a welding class during that segment of their school day at HCHS. They weren’t having the class Thursday, so they had a break and were at home getting a bite to eat and working on a vehicle. They were on their way to the high school when the accident occurred.
It was reported the truck tipped suddenly and hit the abutment on the bridge, causing the truck to swerve around in the middle of the road. The truck had severe damage and the right side tire was flat. It is assumed, at this point, the tire blew out and it may have caused the truck to dip and run into the abutment. No other details are available at this time. The Clarion will follow-up with a report on the condition of Clark Roach.
Please pray for him and for his family.
By Jennifer Wimmer
