Finding Some Good
On Point with Chris Papst
As a breaking news reporter, I've seen a lot; from raging fires and massive floods to angry mobs, riots and intense manhunts. But something I saw the other day caught my attention in a way other situations have not.
Earlier this month, a two-vehicle crash in Adams County captured headlines all around Pennsylvania. It was about 3:00 in the afternoon. Five New Oxford High School students, three boys and two girls, were packed into a Saturn heading north on I-94. It's believed they were going home after school. At the same time, a 2011 Chevy Silverado Dually pulling an empty live-stock trailer was traveling south. Just north of Cross Keys, the Saturn drifted over the white fog line. The inexperienced driver then over-corrected to the left, sending the car into the path of the oncoming truck. A near head-on collision ensued.
The pick-up with the trailer had so much momentum, the Saturn was simply crushed and driven backwards about 200 feet. All five students, one senior, three juniors and a sophomore, were killed instantly. The husband, wife and two children in the truck were said to be fine.
Throughout my career, I've unfortunately covered many fatal crashes. This one was by far the worst. “It's a pretty horrific scene,” said Trooper Michele Davis of the Pennsylvania State Police. The crash was so bad, the Saturn had to be removed piece-by-piece. The wreckage no longer resembled a car. If not for one wheel that was barely attached, most would think the Saturn was just a pile of junk steel.
Reports from first responders were beyond gruesome. At one point, I asked Trooper Davis if the families would arrive to identify the deceased. She told me the bodies were so badly damaged, that was unnecessary. The students were only identifiable through documents in their backpacks.
The police will conduct a full investigation to find out exactly what happened. Speed and alcohol have been ruled out. The students were not wearing seat belts. The family members in the truck were.
As a reporter, I try to separate my emotions from the story - especially during a breaking news situation when facts and details are most vital. Instead, I try to let the emotions of the situation carry the message. But after looking at this vehicle and thinking about the final moments of those five teens, it's hard to remain stoic. First off, I grieve for the families. Not only did they not get to say goodbye, but the Christmas season has forever lost its joy.
Secondly, getting a close-up look at this vehicle was absolutely frightening. What makes it even more disturbing is that speed was not considered a factor. When someone is traveling too fast, it's expected their vehicle will sustain major damage. But knowing this type of wreck is possible without speeding is truly alarming and cautionary.
When I was a young man learning how to drive, I, in no way, fully understood the responsibility involved. I took Drivers Ed and it taught me the law and how to read traffic signs, which is important. But as a 16-year-old, I needed someone to open my eyes to what could happen.
The number one killer of teenagers in America is the automobile. And as awful as this crash was, I feel some good could come of it. Every young driver in our commonwealth should see this Saturn in person. A picture alone is eye-opening. But to see it close up, will trigger a totally different reaction. I've been driving for half my life and it got my attention. When I was 16, it would have, as well.
Chris Papst is a two-time Emmy Award winning reporter for CBS-21 News. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter @chrispapst.
Earlier this month, a two-vehicle crash in Adams County captured headlines all around Pennsylvania. It was about 3:00 in the afternoon. Five New Oxford High School students, three boys and two girls, were packed into a Saturn heading north on I-94. It's believed they were going home after school. At the same time, a 2011 Chevy Silverado Dually pulling an empty live-stock trailer was traveling south. Just north of Cross Keys, the Saturn drifted over the white fog line. The inexperienced driver then over-corrected to the left, sending the car into the path of the oncoming truck. A near head-on collision ensued.
The pick-up with the trailer had so much momentum, the Saturn was simply crushed and driven backwards about 200 feet. All five students, one senior, three juniors and a sophomore, were killed instantly. The husband, wife and two children in the truck were said to be fine.
Throughout my career, I've unfortunately covered many fatal crashes. This one was by far the worst. “It's a pretty horrific scene,” said Trooper Michele Davis of the Pennsylvania State Police. The crash was so bad, the Saturn had to be removed piece-by-piece. The wreckage no longer resembled a car. If not for one wheel that was barely attached, most would think the Saturn was just a pile of junk steel.
Reports from first responders were beyond gruesome. At one point, I asked Trooper Davis if the families would arrive to identify the deceased. She told me the bodies were so badly damaged, that was unnecessary. The students were only identifiable through documents in their backpacks.
The police will conduct a full investigation to find out exactly what happened. Speed and alcohol have been ruled out. The students were not wearing seat belts. The family members in the truck were.
As a reporter, I try to separate my emotions from the story - especially during a breaking news situation when facts and details are most vital. Instead, I try to let the emotions of the situation carry the message. But after looking at this vehicle and thinking about the final moments of those five teens, it's hard to remain stoic. First off, I grieve for the families. Not only did they not get to say goodbye, but the Christmas season has forever lost its joy.
Secondly, getting a close-up look at this vehicle was absolutely frightening. What makes it even more disturbing is that speed was not considered a factor. When someone is traveling too fast, it's expected their vehicle will sustain major damage. But knowing this type of wreck is possible without speeding is truly alarming and cautionary.
When I was a young man learning how to drive, I, in no way, fully understood the responsibility involved. I took Drivers Ed and it taught me the law and how to read traffic signs, which is important. But as a 16-year-old, I needed someone to open my eyes to what could happen.
The number one killer of teenagers in America is the automobile. And as awful as this crash was, I feel some good could come of it. Every young driver in our commonwealth should see this Saturn in person. A picture alone is eye-opening. But to see it close up, will trigger a totally different reaction. I've been driving for half my life and it got my attention. When I was 16, it would have, as well.
Chris Papst is a two-time Emmy Award winning reporter for CBS-21 News. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter @chrispapst.
