SINCLAIRVILLE - One lane of Route 60 was closed after a vehicle accident in the Town of Charlotte which damaged the basement structure beneath a double-wide home at 6139 Route 60 Saturday evening.
Around 6:45 p.m., Debra Heintzman, 57, of Sinclairville,was driving a sports utility vehicle which veered off the southbound lane of Route 60 onto the shoulder, then proceeded through grass before striking the building's foundation. The vehicle traveled about 100 yards through wet, muddy grass and several railroad ties used for landscaping before colliding with the concrete block wall of the split-level home's basement. Firefighters on the scene stabilized the rear of the vehicle by propping material beneath the wheels before the driver could be safely removed.
While police said her injuries from the accident were minor, Heintzman was taken by Starflight to Erie County Medical Center for further treatment. The home was occupied at the time but none inside were injured.
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OBSERVER Photo by Shirley Pulawski
A car drove into a house off of Route 60 in Sinclairville Saturday night.
Building Inspector David Crossley inspected the building and told officers a beam had been bent by the impact of the vehicle, but he declared it structurally sound. Extraction of the vehicle may cause more damage to the building. According to police, a large wrecker capable of towing tractor trailers will be required to dislodge the vehicle and other measures will be taken to avoid further damage to the structure.
Officers on the scene from the Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office said at least one call had been made to the department regarding a vehicle being driven erratically on Route 60 prior to the incident. While officers said it is believed to be the same vehicle, it is believed an apparent medical condition and heavy rain likely contributed to the accident. The incident is still under investigation.
