MESQUITE, TX (01/07/2016) — Three people—Patrick Lewis, Sherwin Lewis, and Stefanos Haileslassie—remain hospitalized after a two-vehicle accident on Thursday night.
According to authorities, three people were injured after a chain-reaction car accident occurred at the intersection of Interstate 635 and Interstate 30 in Mesquite, Texas.
The injured victims were 50-year-old Patrick Lewis, 32-year-old Stefanos Haileslassie, and 40-year-old Sherwin Lewis.
Mesquite police reported that shortly after 10:30 p.m., a 1999 Honda SUV, driven by Haileslassie, was traveling on the connector ramp from southbound I-635 to westbound I-30 when it collided with the guard rail on the ramp.
After the initial impact, the SUV left the ramp, traveled across the grass center median, and crossed all the lanes of I-30 before hitting the HOV retaining wall.
Two Good Samaritans: Patrick Lewis and Sherwin Lewis—neither of which is related to the other—witnessed the accident and attempted to help Haileslassie out of the vehicle. While the three were working together, a 2012 Fiat coupe (driven by Harris) struck the wrecked SUV.
Haileslassie and Patrick Lewis were both taken to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas in critical condition. Sherwin Lewis was transported to the same hospital, but was listed in stable condition. Harris was not injured in the collision.
This accident is currently under investigation.
Commentary
As we have mentioned before, 49% accidents that result in injury or death occur at night, even though far less travel occurs during those hours. However, we would like to take this time to discuss how to approach a vehicle accident on the roadway.
If possible, always follow the “move over slow down” rule when it comes to any stopped vehicles (yes, even if the vehicle is on the shoulder). Change lanes when you see a wreck on the road, as there could be debris on the road or people standing near the wreckage trying to assess damage and injuries. If you’re not able to change lanes, slow down significantly just in case there’s a need for you to make a sudden stop.
