Ambulances Crash On Icy Road

Two ambulances responding to a one-car injury accident early Saturday in north Spokane County crashed on icy roads, the Washington State Patrol reported.

Diane L. Smith, 51, of Elk was listed in satisfactory condition at Deaconess Medical Center. She suffered head, leg and internal injuries after being partially ejected from the car.

Smith was a passenger in a 1981 Datsun headed south on Big Meadows Road when the driver lost control because of ice about 1:45 a.m. The car struck a tree and rolled onto its side at 11227 Big Meadows Road.

The driver, Ronald P. Chapel, 40, of Mead, was taken to Holy Family Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries.

The first ambulance responding to the accident slid into a ditch. The second ambulance hit a power pole, the WSP said. No injuries were reported.

A third ambulance made it to the accident on Big Meadows Road about 3 a.m. , DataTimes