February 26, 1984

By Eileithyia O.

A startling incident occurred late last night when a vehicle crashed into the East Falls Postal building, shattering one of its front windows. While all individuals involved survived the ordeal, one bystander sustained a burn injury to their arm due to their own negligence in approaching the scene too closely. 

Safety First: Think Before You Act

In times of crisis, the natural instinct of many is to rush in and help. While this is commendable, it is critical to assess the situation before placing yourself in harm’s way. The individual who suffered burns did so by failing to take necessary precautions.

If you ever encounter an accident, remain at a safe distance and allow trained professionals to handle the situation. Bystanders should always prioritize their own safety before attempting to intervene, as getting too close to an unpredictable scene may result in unnecessary injuries.

Dangers of Drinking and Driving & Distracted Driving

Anyone who chooses to operate a vehicle under the influence or while distracted is gambling with live(s). If you plan to drink, always arrange for a designated driver or use alternative transportation. The cost of making the wrong decision far outweighs any inconvenience. If it may be something relating to hallucinations, do not go on the wheel if you see something that MAY not be there!

Hallucinations can be a serious concern, especially when operating a vehicle. If you suspect you might be seeing something that isn't real, consider the following signs:

• Check for Shadows or Reflections: If an object or figure doesn’t cast a shadow or reflect in a mirror, it may not be real.

• If you’re with others, confirm if they see the same thing. If they don’t, it could be a hallucination.

• Hallucinations often appear blurry, distorted, or out of place compared to real objects.

• If an image disappears when you shift your gaze or blink repeatedly, it might not be real.

• If something seems highly unlikely, such as an animal suddenly appearing in the road or an unfamiliar person standing in a strange place.. assess whether it's real before reacting.

If you experience frequent hallucinations or visual distortions, consult a medical professional before driving to ensure your safety and that of others on the road.

The Cost of Repairing the Damage

East Falls Postal was  faced with the financial burden of repairing its damaged storefront. Replacing a large postal window is no small expense, and the estimates suggest it may cost upwards of $250 to possibly higher.  However, currently the window is patched, in a rather questionable.. way?

Gratitude for Our Clinic Workers!

In times of emergency, we are reminded of the invaluable contributions of our local clinic workers. The injured individual received swift medical attention from dedicated medical staff, ensuring their burns were properly treated. These professionals work tirelessly, often under stressful conditions, to provide immediate care to those in need.

The East Falls community extends its sincere appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and first responders who acted swiftly in this situation. Their commitment to public health and safety deserves recognition and gratitude, as they are the true unsung heroes of our town.