Update: Driver in rollover released from hospital
A Suzuki SUV XL-7 rolled over near the corner of Montana Street and Dry Hollow Road at around 11:20 a.m. Sunday morning, Sept. 20. Firefighters had to extricate Victor McAllister from the vehicle.
The driver who hit a power pole and rolled over in an SUV was released from the hospital after being taken to Legacy Emanuel Medical Center by LifeFlight on Sunday, Sept. 20. He is doing well, according to his father.
Victor McAllister, 40, was driving northeast downhill on Dry Hollow Road at 11:10 a.m., Sunday when he swerved across the oncoming lane, ran over the sidewalk, hit a power pole and rolled over a Suzuki SUV.
McAllister’s father Dean said medical personell were originally concerned that his son had a spinal injury and sent him to the Portland hospital for care.
“it was very much a miracle,” Dean McAllister said on Monday. “The car’s totaled. He’s fine. That’s what matters.”
McAllister said the 14-year-old Suzuki XL-7 performed well in the accident, with the air bags deploying.
“Everything worked like it was suppose too,” he said. “I’m sure it saved his life.”
The Dalles Police were able to speak with Victor McAllister today, according to Capt. Jamie Carrico. McAllister told police that a rear wheel on the vehicle started to wobble on the vehicle, sending him out of control.
When the car collided with the power pole, it snapped off. Former The Dalles Police Capt. Ed Goodman, who lived near to the accident, said he heard the noise of the wreck and new immediately something had happened.
Witness Shawn Denley saw the wreck occur while driving up hill on Dry Hollow.
“He drifted over, ran over the sidewalk and hit the power pole,” he said. Denley made a u-turn after seeing the accident and was able to talk to McAllister in the vehicle as firefighters and police responded.
Denley said the man was coherent but was unsure what had occurred.
Police blocked Dry Hollow Road between 19th and 15th streets.
Firefighters had to remove the door of the Suzuki to remove McAllister.
