Video reporter: Hannah Dose; Video producer: Matt Pocta
(Story and photos added on December 7, 2012)
Story by Michelle Bui & Tyanna Bui
Photos by Tyler Ratzlaff
On Wednesday around 4 p.m., a vehicle crashed into a pole in front of the Fountain Valley Fire Department. The man was driving north on Bushard Street toward Slater when he suddenly crossed into the opposite lane and collided into the pole.
Mr. Olsberg, driving south toward Talbert, about to turn into the FVHS parking lot, witnessed the accident.
“ I saw the man’s son running into the street afterwards, to check on his dad.” said Mr. Olsberg.
Luckily when the police and Mr. Olsberg arrived at the scene, the man was dazed, but responsive.
“He was conscious when we pulled him out of the car,” Olsberg said. “He was also disorientated, but he could talk.”
The car had knocked the pole into the street and Bushard was closed for hours that night. Seemingly, the pole provided power to the traffic signal, because it no longer worked.
The traffic signal was dark the next morning while students were arriving to school. Police had posted temporary stop signs at the intersection, so traffic backed up on Bushard Street at El Camino Ave.
No one was directing traffic and many students were unsure how to cross the street.
“No one was directing us, and I just went across when everyone else did,” said Valentino Nguyen (‘15).
Police officers stood nearby, but none were immediately involved in assisting the traffic snarl.
Student Michael Mac (‘16) said, ”He just stood there and watched us but didn’t help direct.”
FVHS Supervision arrived at the scene at 7:47 a.m. to assist students in crossing the road safely.
“It was really crowded because the cars kept going and didn’t stop for us to cross, [but] Supervision told us when to go.” said Jackie Prado (‘13).
Finally, at 7:58 a.m. a police officer began directing traffic.
When asked to comment, a representative for the FVPD said they would provide information in 1 to 5 business days.
By Friday morning, the signal had not been repaired and the same over-crowding of cars and students struggled through the intersection.
“The [crossing] conditions were still the same,” said Linsey Tran (’13).
At 7:50 a.m., a motorcycle police officer arrived to direct the traffic.
“It took longer to cross the street because the police had to do things manually, not automatically, so supervision has to cooperate with the police,” said a rushed student, trying to get to class on time.
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