Published: January 09, 2009 10:42 pm      

Man hospitalized after SUV plunges over embankment

A Nicholas County man escaped serious injury Friday night after his SUV plunged over a steep Fayette County embankment and rolled over, police said.

James Mitchell, 75, of Mount Lookout, was driving a 2001 Chevy Tahoe north on U.S. 19 when he lost control of the vehicle, Oak Hill police Patrolman 1st Class C.A. Young said. Mitchell then struck a 2008 Hyundai Accent driven by Chrissy Taylor, 37, believed to be of Beckley, while Taylor was stopped at the W.Va. 16 intersection.

Mitchell’s Tahoe then plowed through a nearby field and continued across Greentown Road, Young said. The Tahoe struck a guardrail and ripped part of it off. The SUV went 100 yards down a steep embankment and rolled over.

Two witnesses helped Mitchell out of his vehicle, Young said. Because the embankment was steep, the Oak Hill Fire Department brought out a rope team. With their assistance, Mitchell was able to walk up the embankment.

Mitchell was taken to Plateau Medical Center, where he was treated and released, Young said. Taylor was not injured.

The accident remains under investigation, Young said. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department also assisted at the scene.

— Amelia A. Pridemore