OT: Horrible Car Accident

Shortly after midnight this morning, I witnessed a horrible accident. I was driving on Route 80, heading home when a car came flying across the median from the other side of the highway, and slammed into a police officer. The officers car was thrown into the woods and caught on fire. The fire was put out by the first people in the scene, including myself. I went back to my car at this point, but they shut down Route 80 going both east and west bound to land a helicopter to transport the officer. The officer passed away at the hospital, but the person who came across the median walked away without even a scratch. He was taken into custody, for reasons I can't say and then began the long wait. The highway was closed for 4 hours, I was taken back to the police station where I made a statement. When I got there, two of the EMT's that assisted the officer were there - blood all over their shirt; I lost it. I got sick to my stomach, ended up throwing up, and now I find out that if this case goes to court, I will have to be there as a witness. I really don't know if I can handle that.

In my old life, I would have been eating these horrible feelings away, obviously I can't do it, but I am having a hard time getting my head straight. I am going to see my therapist tomorrow to talk to her about it. It really puts life into perspective, and how quickly it can be ripped from your hands. If I was going just 5 miles an hour faster than I was, it would have been me that got hit.


Sorry for the long rambling post, I just don't know what to do with myself. I had to get it off of my chest.

Here is a picture of the car that came across the median.

 I am so sorry you had to witness that tragedy.  I know things will get better for you and you are doing the right thing by seeing your therapist.  Have you tried praying?  I don't believe but perhaps you do and I am told prayer helps.  I wish I could offer more help to you....just remember we are all here to help and support you.  Good luck and chin up.....This to shall pass.

OH wow!!! I know how you are feeling doll. This kind of situation has happened to me many times. I myself had a very very very bad accident 4 years ago tomorrow that took someones life (the accident wasn't my fault) and I still live with it everyday about what happened. I also struggle some days with the out come. But I have to tell myself that the gentleman that passed made his choices and the out come was not in his favor. But it changed my life forever and I have to live with his choices.

I'm so sorry you had to experience this-- it is such a tragedy. Even though the officer passed away, it was strength and courage from you and the other first responders who put out the fire and tried to help the officer. I'm sure, however horrible his family feels at this time, that they will feel some peace knowing that there were giving people like yourselves who tried to help him during his time of need.

I think it's a good idea that you made an appointment with your therapist-- talking it out may be very scary, but it will help you feel more balanced with the thoughts and emotions of the situation.

Healing vibes coming your way, girlfriend.

I am so sorry you had to see that.  As the wife of a NJ police officer it is a loss to all, but  your assistance to him is so appreciated.  I understand there are several charges pending, which does not mean that you will have to do the court thing for sure, so take a deep breath and let the system work.  Thank you again for assisting as that could have been my husband.  Be well and be strong.  Dawn

Thank you everyone, I just feel so lost and confused. I am going to write down everything that I remember once I make my way out of bed and get downstairs. Also thinking of getting on the treadmill and just jogging until I can't feel my legs, it will give me some time to think and clear my head a little bit.

how horrible,sorry you witnessed that!

I'm so sorry you saw all of that and you were so brave to do what you could do to help.  I'm happy you will be seeing a therapist and will be turning to your treadmill to help with the stress and sadness.

Oh I am so sorry you had to witness that. This is the 3rd horrible car accident I've heard of in 3 months. It saddens me so much.

A coworker's husband was the unwilling participant in a motorcyclists suicide - he came up the off ramp the wrong way at about 75mph and when the driver of the car tried to avoid him, he swerved into the car head on. My coworker's husband is still dealing with watching that guy basically die on his car.

My best friend's brother was driving home early morning, someone off a night shift fell asleep and hit him head on. He had a big truck so he was fine, but she is looking at losing a leg and broke every limb in her body and fractured her skull.

It just seems people everywhere are burning the candle at both ends, stressed and having a hard time. I think it's great you are going to see someone because those feelings need to be worked through. You and those there did your best to help, that's the most you can do and more than some will even try. Give yourself a hug.