Motorcyclist Seriously Injured In Crash

Oneida, TN (2008-10-20) A Clinton man was seriously injured Monday afternoon in a horrific traffic collision on Verdun Road in Oneida.

Seth Cross, 24, of Clinton, formerly of Oneida, was traveling north on Verdun Road near the northern entrance to Edgewood Estates around 12:45 p.m. when he reportedly lost control of his 2007 Suzuki motorcycle and crashed head on into a southbound passenger car.

According to Cpl. Ronnie Phillips of the Oneida Police Department, Cross’ motorcycle collided with a southbound 2001 Cadillac, which was operated by Ruth Porter, 83, of Oneida.

Evidence at the scene suggested that the motorcycle slammed into the driver’s side front of Porter’s car, throwing Cross from his bike and slamming him onto the hood the car with brutal force, resulting in multiple fractures to both his upper and lower extremities. He was reportedly wearing a helmet; however, it was dislodged in the crash and was later found a great distance from the point of impact.

Speed, stated Cpl. Phillips, was a factor in the accident.

Inundated with a high volume of emergency calls, the Scott County Ambulance Service was hampered in its attempt to respond to the scene, as at the time of the incident, the only available ambulance was reportedly in Huntsville. Off-duty Paramedics, who were involved in a training session at Roane State Community College in Huntsville, reportedly responded to the scene in their personal vehicles to aid the victim.

The Ambulance Service transported Cross from the scene directly to the helipad at St. Mary’s Medical Center of Scott County. He was immediately airlifted by LifeStar air ambulance to U.T. Medical Center in Knoxville for treatment of a broken humerus, fractured femur and possible internal injuries. Mrs. Porter was reportedly not injured in the accident.

The crash snarled traffic in the area for nearly an hour, as motorists were diverted onto Cooper Lake Drive and O and W Road.

Chief Mike Cross of the Oneida Police Department, along with Sgt. Brett Bond and Patrolman Jason Pike assisted Cpl. Phillips.