ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Tuesday, March 26, 1996                TAG: 9603260034
SECTION: CURRENT                  PAGE: NRV-4 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG -
SOURCE: LISA K. GARCIA STAFF WRITER 

BOTH DRIVERS BLAMED IN AMBULANCE WRECK

Town police say both drivers share the blame for last Wednesday's collision between an ambulance and a van at Toms Creek and Prices Fork roads.

Squad Capt. James E. Sowder, 53, was driving a Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad ambulance west on Prices Fork about 2 p.m. when he entered the intersection. Police said Sowder entered the intersection against a red light and did not have the right of way despite the use of sirens and flashing lights. The ambulance was responding to a call.

Police Lt. Bruce Bradbery said the law requires emergency vehicles to use caution when on emergency calls.

Carlos L. Diaz, 21, was driving a minivan south on Toms Creek when he entered the intersection at the same time as the ambulance. Diaz told police his stereo was turned up and he ``possibly was looking at or changing his stereo'' which may have contributed to his failure to see the ambulance.

After the initial impact, the minivan spun about 90 degrees and collided a second time before the ambulance stopped in the intersection.

The van ran over a curb and stopped in a grassy area adjacent to the intersection.

Sowder, who was wearing a seat belt, and three ambulance crew members were treated and released for minor injuries. Diaz was not wearing a seat belt and was treated for multiple head and facial injuries.

Damage to the ambulance is estimated at $35,000 and to the van at $12,000.

Police did not cite either driver. Bradbery said liability for damages probably will be worked out between the drivers' insurance companies.

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