Girl, 5, in critical condition following van-ambulance crash
The van driver's 5-year-old daughter, Lillian Creek, and 7-year-old son Landon Creek, were receiving specialized care at East Tennessee Children's Hospital, according to Trooper Rodney Best, who responded to the crash scene at state Highway 95 and the Greenback side of Sinking Creek Road.
Lillian Creek was in critical condition Wednesday night. Landon Creek was being treated for a hand injury.
The crash occurred about 9:25 a.m.
Jessica Creek drove the minivan. Her five children, ages 2,4, 5, 6 and 7, were passengers.
According to Best, Creek crossed the highway's center line in a curve, striking the ambulance. The ambulance driver, identified as paramedic Richard Williams, saw the van cross the center line, and had almost stopped his vehicle but was unable to get over because of a drop-off, according to the trooper. Riding with Williams was an EMT, Keshia Bledsoe.
No patient was aboard the ambulance.
Best said everyone involved was using a seat belt or was properly restrained in a child seat.
Creek and three of her children were being treated Wednesday at University of Tennessee Medical Center. Bledsoe also was transported to UT Medical Center.
Williams, the ambulance driver, was taken by a Rural/Metro supervisor to Fort Loudoun Medical Center in Lenoir City.
In a statement, Rural/Metro said: "The medical care of all who were involved in this tragic accident is Rural/Metro's primary concern. Rural/Metro extends deepest care and concern to all involved in the accident, as well as to their families. Rural/Metro also extends appreciation to all other law enforcement, emergency and LIFESTAR personnel who assisted at the scene."
Investigation is continuing.