Carroll, IA (December 27, 2024) – Two women narrowly avoided serious injuries on a Christmas night accident involving an SUV on Deer Creek Ln. Carroll Police Department officials reported being dispatched to the scene at approximately 8:06 p.m. following a report of a woman trapped under a vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers found a 2017 Nissan Murano with its rear passenger tire over a curb. According to authorities, 76-year-old Carol Lynn Stoelk and 69-year-old Linda Kay Bluml were leaving a friend’s house to view Christmas lights when the incident occurred. An “open door” signal prompted Stoelk to exit the vehicle to address the issue. However, the SUV was accidentally left in reverse. As the vehicle started to roll, Stoelk fell, and the vehicle ran over her left leg, causing no injuries.
Bluml exited the vehicle to assist Stoelk but also fell and became trapped underneath the rolling SUV. She reported pain in her left hip and was transported to St. Anthony Regional Hospital by Carroll County Emergency Medical Services for treatment. Officials confirmed that no citations were issued in connection with the accident.
Our thoughts are with Linda Kay Bluml, and we wish her a speedy recovery.
Vehicle Safety and Unintended Rollaway Risks
Incidents like the one on Deer Creek Ln highlight the risks associated with unintended vehicle rollaways. Even seemingly minor distractions, such as an “open door” signal, can lead to potentially dangerous situations if vehicles are not properly secured.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), unintended rollaways can often be prevented by ensuring the vehicle is fully in park and engaging the parking brake before exiting. Modern vehicles with electronic gear selectors and safety features may include automatic safeguards, but drivers should remain vigilant, particularly in older or manually operated models.
For those injured in such accidents, understanding the next steps, including medical care and legal options, is crucial to recovering physically and financially.
For more information or to receive help after an accident, contact Local Accident Reports.