News

Actions

UPDATED: Witnesses tried to rescue scooter driver

Posted at 11:15 AM, Aug 25, 2013
and last updated 2013-08-26 11:20:55-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- One person was killed in a scooter accident in the Fairmount section of Richmond, according to Richmond Police.

Fatal scooter accident in east Richmond (PHOTO: Jake Burns)

Fatal scooter accident in east Richmond (PHOTO: Jake Burns)

Robert L. Vannote, 35, of the 3100 block of North Avenue, was struck by a Mitsubishi Gallant sedan in the intersection of Fairmount Avenue and North 23rd Street at approximately 9:44 a.m.

CBS 6 reporter, Jake Burns, spoke with witnesses who said the victim, the driver of the scooter and the only rider, was wearing his helmet when the accident occurred.

Witnesses also said the victim, a male around 35 years of age, was trapped beneath the car for 10 minutes following the accident and that a few people used a car jack to try to lift the car off of him.

The victim was taken to VCU Medical Center where he later died from his injuries.

The car was operated by a female, who was the sole occupant.

A crash team interviewed witnesses and took measurements of the crash scene in the course of the investigation.

Fairmount Ave. was closed in both directions to accommodate the investigation.  Fairmount serves as a main artery for drivers in that area of the East End.

Several neighbors said they've had concerns about the intersection with 23rd St. before Sunday's accident.  It's currently set up as a two-way stop.

"Honestly, I think they need a four-way stop or a traffic light or something," said Brandon Greene. "If it's not an accident, the speeding is crazy anyway."

At this point, police said no charges have been filed.

The Crash Team has sent their findings to the Commonwealth Attorney's Office for review and a decision on any charges.

Stay with WTVR.com for more updates on this developing story.