Two different wrecks at entrance to Walmart in Louisa

By Roberta Cantrell

BSN Editor

Two separate accidents within a week at the same location sent multiple people to the hospital.

The wrecks were almost identical in scenario with both being caused by vehicles turning from US 23 onto Commerce Drive at the entrance that goes to Louisa Walmart.

The first accident occurred Wednesday, Nov. 27, just after 10 a.m.

According to a report by Louisa Police Sgt. Steven Wilburn, a Ford Focus driven by Kelli Phelps, 63, of South Point, Ohio, was in traveling southbound on US 23 and attempting a left turn onto Commerce drive when she pulled out into the path of a 2020 Toyota Rav4 driven by Travis Vires, 29, of Paintsville. Witnesses say Vires made every attempt to avoid the collision.

Phelps was taken to Three Rivers Medical Center by ambulance due to complaints in multiple locations and what responders believed was a broken arm.

Vires refused being transported to TRMC by ambulance and he, along with three passengers, two being young children, went to the hospital to be treated by private vehicle. Both vehicles sustained major damage and were towed by Yates Wrecker Service.

Three days later the second accident occurred when LPD Ptl. Michael Housinger was called to the same location on Saturday, Nov. 30, when a 2012 GMC Acadia driven by Delilah Fluty, 47, pulled in to the path of a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Christopher Samano, 43, of Dallas, TX.

Samano reported to the officer that he was traveling northbound when the SUV Fluty was driving made a left turn crossing into his lane and he was unable to avoid hitting her.

Fluty said she thought she had a green light but a witness that was in a vehicle behind her said it was flashing yellow.

Samano was taken to TRMC and treated for injuries.

Both vehicles sustained major damage and were towed by Kirk’s Towing Service.