A 2:02 a.m. accident Saturday morning sent eight individuals to area hospitals.
The accident occurred at the 200-block of South Main Street, in front of Boudreaux’s and Big Al’s, as the driver headed north in a 2001 silver Toyota RAV-4.
After passing the Jackson street intersection, the driver swerved into the southbound lanes, knocking down a small tree and light pole as the vehicle crashed into eight pedestrians.
Six were sent to Montgomery Regional Hospital, and two were sent to Carilion Medical Center in Radford. All of the victims have since been released from the hospital, but some have several broken bones.
According to Blacksburg police, victims were Mike Chanov, 22; Amy Ness, 22; Ashley McDaniel, 22; Deborah Wolfe, 29; James Satterwhite III, 28; Larry A. Elkins, 33; and James Ferugio, 29.
Will Montgomery, 24, was also injured and is a center for the Carolina Panthers. He is an alumnus from Virginia Tech, where he played football as a center. A Panthers representative said the extent of his injury will not prevent him from playing this fall.
The driver, Mary Elizabeth Bowen, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence at a blood alcohol content of .20, over twice the legal limit. Bowen is a rising junior communication major at Virginia Tech and was uninjured in the accident.
The accused was released from Montgomery County Jail Saturday afternoon on a $5,000 bail.
