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Edited on Wed Mar-17-04 08:31 PM by Race4Peace
Accident injures band members, spectators; diverts parade
By Sean Harder and Stephen Komives Savannah Morning News
An accident along the parade route on Wright Square left eight people injured and forced the parade to be diverted.
At about noon, a gold Chrysler Seabring heading south on Bull Street as part of the procession sped into the crowd gathered on Wright Square.
Witnesses said at least two members of the Monmouth, N.J., County Pipes and Drum band were struck before the car plowed into the square. Several spectators were hit, and a few were dragged under the car for several yards before the convertible stopped just short of the square's monument.
Eight people were transported to the hospital. At least three people were taken away on stretchers. At least one of the Jersey band members sustained a serious injury to the head. Several others suffered minor injuries.
Witnesses said the convertible was speeding up as it approached the square.
"One second everyone was waving and having fun, and then all of a sudden the car came speeding by and hit at least six people," said Katherine Cartier, a registered nurse who witnessed the incident.
Ernie Hannah, another witness, said about 20 people jumped on the vehicle to try to stop it. Savannah police and fire quickly sealed the area and shifted the parade route a block west to Whitaker Street.
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