CHILD SURVIVES BEING STRUCK BY AUTO - Girl Kept For Overnight Observation

(08/03/2002)
Three-year-old Brittany Smith was being kept overnight for observation at Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center in Grantsville, after being struck by a vehicle Friday afternoon on Mount Zion Ridge, south of Grantsville.

She apparently suffered no broken bones and "appeared like she was going to be o.k." Deputy Sheriff Carl Ballengee said the girl reportedly ran from between two parked cars along Route 16.

Billy Collins, 32, a driver for the community bus service, struck the child with a station wagon. Deputy Ballengee said Collins "appeared to be traveling at a speed less than the speed limit" when the accident happened. "He was able to stop quickly, after swerving to miss her," he said.

Collins was hauling passengers north on Route 16 from Calhoun Middle/High School to Grantsville, when the 3 p.m. accident ocurred.

"He was extremely distraught," said Ballengee.

The child is the daughter of Frank and Jeannie Smith, whose home burned at Mt. Zion a few months ago. The Smith's had just returned to the neighborhood Thursday, moving into a nearby house.

Deputy Ballengee said it is not likely charges will be filed against Collins, although the matter is still under investigation.

Calhoun EMS responded quickly, their station being located a few hundred feet away.