Salem nursing student, friend injured while helping motorist

February 22, 2012 at 12:08a.m.

Boyle

SALEM

A Salem woman and a friend, acting as Good Samaritans helping an injured driver, were seriously injured early Monday when they jumped off an Interstate 79 overpass fearing they would be struck by a oncoming tractor-trailer truck.

Alissa Boyle, 22, of Salem, and Cami Abernethy, 21, of Sewickley, Pa., were in fair condition in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, W.Va., on Tuesday. They were listed as critical when admitted Monday. Both are senior nursing students at Waynesburg University in Pennsylvania.

The women were on their way to Ruby Memorial for advanced training when they stopped to help at the scene of an accident shortly after 6 a.m. on I-79 in Greene County, Pa., near the Pennsylvania/West Virginia border, according to the Waynesburg, Pa., Observer Reporter.

While they were assisting Derek Hartzog, 21, of Washington, Pa., whose Jeep Cherokee had rolled over several times and come to rest in the left lane near the midpoint of the overpass, all three jumped off the overpass to the ground 40 or 50 feet below, according to the Pennsylvania State Police in Waynesburg.

Police said a road runs under the overpass, but the victims landed in a grassy area beside the road. The truck driver was able to stop before he hit the jeep, but it was dark and it is likely the victims were unable to determine whether the truck would be able to stop in time, state police said.

Police said Hartzog, who was wearing a seat belt, was southbound on I-79 when he fell asleep and his vehicle rolled. Hartzog also was in fair condition Tuesday.

All three were taken to Ruby Memorial by Mount Morris, Pa., Volunteer Fire Department and EMS Southwest personnel.