Driver, 8-month-old child escape serious injury in car accident

5/27/2008 3:30 AM

A Houston woman and her 8-month-old child escaped serious injury Monday afternoon when her vehicle struck a house and then a utility pole on North Main Street, Chartiers Township police said.

Ashlie Andrews, 20, of North Main Street, was traveling south on North Main Street at 3:44 p.m. when the vehicle traveled off the road near a former hotel near Pine Avenue in Midland, police said. She regained control, then lost control again before striking the porch and foundation of a house at 453 North Main St., police said.

Two residents sleeping inside the house, Elizabeth Caldwell and Christina Hyde, were not injured. The house is owned by Emmanuel Anthon of McMurray, police said.

Andrews' vehicle destroyed the railing and damaged the front porch and stone foundation. Police said the damage inside and outside the house was severe.

The vehicle continued on before being stopped by a utility pole.

Andrews suffered facial cuts but refused medical treatment. The child, who was also checked by medical personnel, was not injured and was properly restrained in a child seat, police said.

Alcohol was not involved. However, police said Andrews faces charges of speeding and reckless driving.

Assisting police were firefighters from Chartiers Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Copyright Observer Publishing Co.