Media

Chimney Rock Accident

Release Date: November 19, 2002

Shelby County Sheriff's Office Deputies continue their investigation regarding an accident yesterday that left 10 people hurt outside of Chimney Rock Elementary School in the Cordova area of Memphis.

Investigators say 81-year-old Alice Bartee of Memphis had arrived at the school to pick up her granddaughter just after 3 p.m. yesterday when the car she was driving jumped a curb and hit nine children and one adult, who served as a Teacher's Aide at the school. All but four of those injured have been released from area hospitals. Four children remain hospitalized at Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center with one child reported to be in critical condition.

Traffic investigators say Ms. Bartee told them she had pulled her car near the pick-up drive at the school when her foot slipped off the brake and onto the car's accelerator. Although deputies believe this was the cause of the crash, Ms. Bartee's car will be examined by the Sheriff's Office to determine if there was any mechanical failure with her vehicle. Sheriff's deputies say they don't believe alcohol was a factor. However, a drug test was administered late last evening. The initial report showed no alcohol or illegal drugs in her bloodstream. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation will be also analyzing the sample and will report their findings within the next few days.

Sheriff's deputies say interviews with witnesses continue. No charges have been filed pending the outcome of the investigation.