In serpentine fashion, NY route 23A climbs along the Catskill Clove's often perpendicular north wall to the plateau at the crest. The entrance road to Twilight Park lies there on the left. It was a Friday night and I was about to conclude the customary trip from New York City to Twilight with my grandson Nikolai and stepson Matt.
Still climbing, we rounded the last bend when I saw a car sideways across the right lane, its nose smooshed into the verticle rock face. Accident! I swung around the car and pulled over. "Stay inside!" I shouted to the kids, as I grabbed a flash light from the glove compartment.
I ran back toward the car. Steam spouted out from under the hood. I smelled coolant. I heard crackling noises from the engine compartment, and caught the flicker of flames. Must be an electrical fire. If the fuel line was fractured, it could be only seconds before the entire car went up.
I ran back toward the car. Steam spouted out from under the hood. I smelled coolant. I heard crackling noises from the engine compartment, and caught the flicker of flames. Must be an electrical fire. If the fuel line was fractured, it could be only seconds before the entire car went up.
Shining the light inside the open window, I saw a man slumped over the wheel, unconscious. I saw green beer cans on the floor in front of the passenger's seat. I thought for a moment. If he had spinal damage, I could exacerbate it by moving him. But if I left him there, he could burn to death.
With strength I didn't know I possessed, I pulled him through the window. I dragged him a safe distance from the car. I quickly examined his body. Other than a large bloody swelling on his forehead, I found no bleeding. Then I heard a loud "whoosh" and looked up to see the entire car in flames.
In a few minutes, a fire engine and ambulance arrived, probably summoned by a Twilight resident, as park homes were perched on the cliffs directly opposite the accident scene.
The necessary help had arrived. I climbed back in our car, thanked the boys for being such good soldiers, and drove on to Twilight.
Editor's note: My grandson Nikolai just called to say he read this post and vividly remembered that night. He helped me recall the details, for which I am grateful.
The necessary help had arrived. I climbed back in our car, thanked the boys for being such good soldiers, and drove on to Twilight.
Editor's note: My grandson Nikolai just called to say he read this post and vividly remembered that night. He helped me recall the details, for which I am grateful.
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