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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Woman Killed After Priest's Car Plows Into Churchgoers

Elderly woman dies, 4 others injured in Good Friday accident

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(Newser) – A woman was killed and four were injured when a priest lost control of his car and drove into Good Friday churchgoers in eastern Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports. Witnesses said the priest, 79, had finished assisting with services at St. Maurice Catholic Church and was driving around to the entrance when he plowed into a group of parishioners outside the building.

The 89-year-old woman had a leg amputated at the scene and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The priest "told me the accelerator of his car went on its own and he could not stop the car," said a nurse who rushed from the service inside to treat the wounded. "He's just the sweetest priest and a wonderful man. He's in shock. He's just devastated."

The parish priest at St. Maurice's said the retired priest who drove into parishioners was in a state of shock and needed support and prayers.
The parish priest at St. Maurice's said the retired priest who drove into parishioners was in a state of shock and needed support and prayers.   (©tbower)
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It was a traumatic and frightening scene. We ask prayers for our parish and all of those involved in this horrific accident. - Rev. John W. Skirtich, pastor of St. Maurice Church

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Collusive
Apr 11, 09 10:54 AM CDT
Oh the accelerator went on its own? Sounds like he's just too old to drive. Reply
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Doctor_Zaius
Apr 12, 09 9:58 AM CDT
Isn't that what they always say? The reality is he hit the gas when he should have hit the break.
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