CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — A woman has died, and three others were seriously injured in a car crash in Chesterfield County.
The crash occurred around 7:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, on Buford Road. According to the Chesterfield County Police, two cars traveling in opposite directions collided head-on.
Betsy Ellis, who lives nearby, described hearing a loud noise like a tree falling. The two vehicles involved in the crash ended up in her front yard.
Ellis quickly grabbed her medical bag and went to help. With the assistance of a doctor and nurses already on the scene, she handed out gloves and checked on one of the drivers. She reassured the driver that help was on the way.
First responders soon arrived and transported all four victims to a local hospital. Unfortunately, 65-year-old Mary Ellen Whitfield from Powhatan County later died from her injuries. The other three victims are still recovering.
Sgt. Kyle Easton of the Chesterfield Police Crash Team shared that three people were in one vehicle and one in the other. He emphasized the importance of following traffic laws, wearing seat belts, and avoiding driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Speeding is a known issue on Buford Road, according to neighbors. One resident expressed concerns, saying, Buford Road is tricky, and people speed on it every day. I’ve seen accidents here, but nothing like this.”
The Virginia Department of Transportation is considering installing a roundabout at the intersection of Buford Road and Rockaway Road to improve safety.
Ellis added that she and others did everything they could to help the victims before paramedics arrived.
Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact Chesterfield Police at 804-748-1251.