*This article was done as an exercise in my Media Writing class, the events in this article are not real.
A two-car accident occurred on the corner of Ninth and Elm Streets Monday at 4:30 p.m., leaving two passengers injured and two found dead at the scene of the collision.
James West, a city employee of the Parks and Recreation Department, ran a red light heading south on Ninth Street and collided with another vehicle. The car that was hit rolled over three times and was found lying up against a light pole by police officers.
West and the passenger of the car he was driving, Samuel Blackwater, were both injured as a result of the crash. Blackwater broke his nose and both of his arms, while West suffered from a potential concussion and a broken leg. The two victims found dead were identified as James and Martha Westhaver.
James, 55, was president of the Merchant’s National Bank and had been employed at that company for over 33 years. He was also treasurer of the Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the United Way. His wife Martha, 60, was a talk show host for the local television station, KTGG.
West was charged with careless and imprudent driving. However, further investigation is necessary and set to take place before charges of involuntary manslaughter can be issued.
“We had to close down Ninth and Elm Streets for two hours while the investigation was taking place. Running a red light is one of the most dangerous driving mistakes someone can make,” a Springfield police officer said, “and more times than not, the life of another driver ends up being at stake.”