Senior hurt critically in car crash at Prestonsburg center
PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — A vehicle struck three pedestrians and a building at the Prestonsburg Senior Citizens Center on Friday, leaving an 80-year-old woman in critical condition and two other seniors with moderate injuries, according to the Prestonsburg Police Department.
Police said a 79-year-old driver of a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox backed out of a parking spot at the center on Patsy Evans Drive, then rapidly accelerated and struck two parked vehicles. The vehicle then hit the 80-year-old pedestrian, dragging her approximately 25 feet before colliding with the senior center building itself.
After striking the building, the vehicle hit two additional pedestrians: a 67-year-old man and a 69-year-old man. The 80-year-old victim was airlifted to a hospital in Pikeville, where she remains in critical condition. The two male victims were taken to a local hospital with moderate injuries. The driver was also hospitalized as a precaution.
Investigators determined the driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator instead of the brake pedal. Police said they found no evidence of foul play and noted the driver submitted to a toxicology test. The incident remains under investigation.