Morgan Hill - An 84-year-old Gilroy man is in critical condition suffering third degree burns over 70 percent of his body after his car exploded when it was struck from behind on U.S. 101.Gin L. Dong also suffered major internal injuries as a result of the late Tuesday night accident. He remains in Santa Clara Valley Medical Center.
Dong was driving a Honda Accord southbound on U.S. 101 south of Metcalf Road about 11:20pm when his car was hit from behind by a Toyota 4Runner driven by Amanda Rosever, 18, of Morgan Hill.
According to the California Highway Patrol report, Rosever was also driving southbound on U.S. 101, approaching Dong's Accord from the rear. She told CHP officers she was traveling about 70 mph when she took her eyes off of the road and looked down into her purse. When she looked up again, she said, she saw the Accord in front of her, but there was no time to brake or take evasive action.
When the 4Runner crashed into the rear of the Accord, the Accord burst into flames, according to the report. The 4Runner overturned and came to a stop on the right shoulder of the highway.
Rosever was able to climb out of the 4Runner, but Dong had to be helped out of the Accord by passing motorists who stopped to help.
The accident is still under investigation; alcohol and drugs did not play a role in the collision, according to the CHP.
Rosever could be charged with manslaughter if Dong does not survive his injuries.
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Marilyn Dubil
Marilyn Dubil covers Morgan Hill education and public safety for South Valley Newspapers. Send her an e-mail.
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