Driver Cited in Westport Crash, Unnamed Nurse Helped Victims

The operator of a Toyota Rav 4 was cited for motor vehicle infractions following a Saturday morning crash at the intersection of Rt. 88 and Hixbridge Rd. in Westport.

At approximately 10:51 a.m. on June 20,  Westport police received several 911 calls regarding a multiple-vehicle crash at the location with initial reports indicating several parties injured and entrapped in their vehicles, according to a media release from Det. Sgt. Christopher Dunn.

Officers arrived and saw a red Toyota Rav 4 in the southbound lane facing west with the front windshield shattered. A white Chevrolet Silverado was lying on its passenger side off the roadway.  An International Dump Truck was parked on Hixbridge Road. Officers requested four ambulances.

A preliminary investigation by Officer Douglas Wenson revealed the Toyota Rav 4 was traveling south on Route 88 at the intersection of Hixbridge Road. Witnesses stated the driver turned left into the northbound lane against a red traffic light. The operator of the Silverado crashed into the Rav 4 and then collided with a dump truck stopped at a red light facing west. After colliding with the dump truck, the Silverado rolled onto its driver’s side before coming to rest, according to Dunn.

Drivers and all occupants suffered what appeared non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to Charlton Memorial and St. Luke’s hospitals by Westport, Little Compton and Tiverton Fire Departments.

The Westport Police Department thanked an off-duty St. Luke’s nurse who stopped to attend to vehicle occupants. She assisted in the triage of injured individuals, but reportedly left the scene before officers or paramedics cold catch her name, Dunn said.

Rt. 88 is a main thoroughfare to Horseneck Beach State Reservation. The Westport Police said it wants to remind the public of the increase in traffic headed to state and local beaches at this time.

"We ask that you please take your time and drive carefully," the department spokesman said.