Lieberman challenger escapes injury in festival accident

The Stamford Advocate ^ | 7/8/06

[LdSentinal]

NEW LONDON, Conn. -- Ned Lamont, the Democratic challenger for U.S. Senate and several of his campaign staff workers were in the same crowd that a station wagon plowed into Saturday afternoon during the city's annual Sailfest.

Lamont was not injured, said a campaign spokeswoman, but three of the staffers were treated for various injuries. In all 27, people were injured in the incident.

Lamont, who is challenging three-term incumbent Sen. Joe Lieberman in the Aug. 8 primary, was campaigning at festival, said spokeswoman Liz Dupont-Diehl.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone who was hurt," Dupont-Diehl told The Associated Press.

The campaign workers injuries' included a broken leg, a fractured nose and scrapes and bruises. Their names have not been released.

All the injured were taken to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital. Earlier reports indicated there were two people with serious injuries, but hospital spokesman Kelly Anthony said everyone is expected to be treated and released by late Saturday night.

[Brilliant]

This guy will do anything for the sympathy vote.

[cripplecreek]

I think I'd stay the heck away from democratic candidates. Weren't there several accidents where democratic candidates were there to save the day in 04?

[mainepatsfan]

"They're going to try to take our licenses away!"

[Paladin2]

Just one of his many stellar supporters trying to score.

[Brilliant]

Definitely stay away when Howard Dean is running.

[A Balrog of Morgoth]

Joe needs to vet his hitmen a little better. :)

[gov_bean_ counter]

On last night. Funny as all get out.

[mainepatsfan]

In my top 5 all time SP list.

[gov_bean_ counter]

I'm not fat, I just have a sweet hockey body.

[buccaneer81]

I can only imagine what DU will have to say.

[mainepatsfan]

"Where are they boys!?"

"They're...they're playing street hockey!!"

"OH MY GOD!!"

[exit82]

Not to worry.

Just close the Country Kitchen Buffet.

Disables 'em every time.

[nutmeg]

Connecticut ping!

Please Freepmail me if you want on or off my infrequent Connecticut ping list.

[southernnorthcarolina]

The driver, Robert Laine, 89, of Wallingford, was not injured.

New London Mayor Elizabeth Sabilia said the car was crossing tracks to get to the Fishers Island ferry when it struck a pedestrian.

"He panicked," she said.

The car then lurched forward and drove through the crowd, which witnesses said was about four- or five-people deep. At least two people bounced off the car windshield.

"It hit. It just kept going," witness Terrie Castagna, of Sterling, said. "I don't think anyone knew that a car was coming across. There was screaming, it happened so fast."

Castagna, 43, a former paramedic, helped with first aid until emergency crews arrived. She said she talked to the Laine who told her the gas pedal stuck.

DWO. Driving While Old.