'I feel lost because of what I witnessed': Locals describe tragic moments after Pollock Pines crash
Several people from nearby businesses assisted five children hit by a van in crosswalk Wednesday
Several people from nearby businesses assisted five children hit by a van in crosswalk Wednesday
Several people from nearby businesses assisted five children hit by a van in crosswalk Wednesday
We're learning more about the Pollock Pines crash that sent five children to the hospital from witnesses who saw it happen and people who showed up shortly thereafter.
Those witnesses told KCRA 3 that many from surrounding businesses and homes sprang into action and tried to help the young victims until paramedics arrived.
One man, who asked not to be identified, was among the locals who rushed to help the injured children.
“I parked my car. I jumped out. I ran over to see what I could do,” he said.
He said he treated them as if they were his own children – comforting them with his actions and his words.
“You're gonna be OK. We're here. You're alright. Just letting them know there was a presence there and that they weren't alone,” he said he and other locals conveyed to the children.
| MORE | 4 children airlifted to hospitals after hit by car in Pollock Pines, CHP says
The witness said there was a sense among the community members present that even though the children weren’t their own, that didn’t matter.
“We all had our parental instincts,” he said. “Jumped into action to help these kids out.”
Greg Farron has lived in Pollock Pines for 10 years and said the community is devastated by what happened.
“It's heartbreaking when I saw a small child, screaming in pain, being put on a backboard,” Farron said.
He is already calling for longer-term action.
He said he contacted his county supervisor Wednesday afternoon -- asking for safety improvements on Pony Express Trail.
“There probably needs to be more than one thing done,” Farron said. “There needs to be multiple things done. They need some stop signs up here. Maybe need to paint the crosswalk. Some flashing lights.”
Meanwhile, those who stepped up to help after the crash are now sharing a message with children's parents.
“Your kids were as safe with us in our arms as they would be with you,” said the witness who helped after the crash.
He also said how seeing the wreck and responding to it has left him coping with some complex emotions of his own.
“I've been staying in prayer and just like, trying to figure out what's going on in my head,” he said. “I feel lost because of what I witnessed.”
The El Dorado Community Foundation says that people who would like to donate to support victims of those impacted and their families can do so through their community resource fund. Donations can be made to the fund with Pine Top Montessori noted in the “additional information” section.