Two Airlifted To Vanderbilt Hospital After Wednesday Night Crash

Four people were involved in a two vehicle crash around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday night on Highway 70 east in Smithville.
Chief Thomas J. Stufano says 26 year old Luz Elena Romo of 175 Homestead Lane, Smithville and her 7 year old son were in one of the vehicles while 37 year old Mario Perez Matias of 586 Colvert’s Lake Road, Smithville and Oliverio Martinez were in the other.
Upon arrival, Smithville Police Officers found a pickup truck that had left the roadway and run through a guardrail. The truck then apparently flipped ending up against a telephone pole.
Romo and her son were found partially ejected from the vehicle.
Chief Stufano says “It was miraculous but the child did not sustain any injuries and the mother only sustained slight cuts and bruises.”
According to Chief Stufano, “While Officers were tending to Romo and her son, they heard a slight rustling in the bushes located approximately 60 feet away down into a drainage culvert. Further inspection disclosed that there was a second vehicle also involved in the accident. Upon reaching the second vehicle they found Matias, the driver, and Martinez. Both had severe injuries. The Smithville Fire Department and DeKalb EMS responded to extricate the two. Due to the severity of their injuries they were airlifted to Vanderbilt Hospital. ”
Chief Stufano says “Tennessee Highway Patrol Trooper Brian Raymond along with members of the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department aided Smithville Police in their investigation and containment of the extensive crash scene. Wrecker drivers worked tirelessly for over an hour as they removed the vehicle from the culvert. The investigation at the scene disclosed that Romo had just dropped off her husband at work and was proceeding east on Highway 70 when Matias, driving in the same direction, hit the Romo vehicle from behind. Both vehicles left the roadway. During an inspection of the Matias’ vehicle, numerous cans of beer were found littered throughout the car. The investigation continues with charges pending”.