1 dead, 2 critical after wreck

Nurses pick up their gear after treating Shino and Hokuto Hoizumi when their car, left, was involved in a head-on crash in front of Heritage Medical Center. Both victims were flown to Nashville.
(T-G Photo by David Melson)

Shino Koizumi, 39, and her son, Hokuto Koizumi, 11, both of Dow Drive in Shelbyville, were airlifted to Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville moments following the crash. Their car collided head-on with a car driven by Burtis Landers, 82, also of Dow Drive, police said. Landers was airlifted as well and died later Thursday at Vanderbilt.

The Koizumis were listed in critical but stable condition this morning at VMC, police said.

"Mr. Landers tried to turn into the hospital, turned into the exit instead of the entrance, tried to come back out and was struck head-on," Accident Investigator Lt. Trey Clanton said. "I'd estimate her speed at 40 to 45 mph. He came into her lane before she could react."

Landers was walking and talking after the accident and initially refused treatment for facial cuts.

"He was conscious and talking at the scene and initially refused to go for treatment," Clanton said. "While we were there he said his chest was hurting and he was having a hard time breathing," Clanton said. "He was in critical condition by the time he was in the hospital."

"We're not sure if his death was caused by the injuries or was unrelated to the accident," Clanton said. "The coroner will determine the cause of death."

Hokotu Hoizumi's twin brother, Subaru Kozumi, was treated and released at Heritage, police said.

It's the second fatal accident at the dangerous intersection within two years. An intoxicated driver veered into the path of another vehicle, killing an occupant, on Oct. 17, 2008.