Three Injured In Early Morning Accident On SR63

Huntsville, TN (2011-01-05) Three people were injured early Wednesday morning in a grinding head-on collision on Baker Highway near the Scott/Campbell County line.

According to a report filed by Sgt. Brian Boshears of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Keith Orick, 51, of Oneida, Benjy Chitwood, 37, of Pioneer and Kaylee Chitwood, 7, also of Pioneer were injured Wednesday morning in a two vehicle traffic collision on State Route 63 near its intersection of Jakes Branch Road.

Orick, the driver of an eastbound 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass, was reportedly attempting to pass another eastbound vehicle, when Chitwood, the driver of a 1998 GMC Jimmy, pulled into the westbound lane from Jakes Branch Road. The two vehicles collided in the westbound lane, striking each other virtually head-on. The younger Chitwood, a student at Fairview Elementary, was reportedly en route to school when the accident occurred.

The Scott County Ambulance Service transported the trio from the scene to St. Mary’s Medical Center of Scott County. “All occupants were wearing seat belts,” commented Sgt. Boshears. The seasoned Trooper credited safety belt usage for limiting the severity of the occupant’s injuries.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Department and the East 63 Fire Department assisted on the scene.