Two-car collision sours holiday spirit

Holiday cheer was interrupted for two women when their vehicles collided in the intersection of West Putnam and D Street.

The spin-around collision happened a little before 9:30 a.m., putting a damper on the holiday spirit of those involved.

Kathy Miranda, 44, had just dropped off a Christmas present to her 9-year-old granddaughter, who is in Sierra View District Hospital. The little girl had surgery yesterday.
Miranda was on her way to her daughter’s house for more holiday giving when the accident occurred.

“I’m a little shaken up,” she said, rubbing her back and holding her head. “I was going that way (east on West Putnam), when the lady ran the red light going that way (south on D Street). My car hit her on the side first, and then spun around and ended up at the rear of her car.”

Everything happened so fast, she said, her body trembling as she spoke.
“It was like I heard a “boom,” and I just started spinning around. It was scary.”

Miranda was driving a white Chevolet Cavalier. The other driver, who declined to discuss the accident, was driving a medium gray Jeep Cherokee.

Both women had loved ones come to the scene.

Justin Fisher, and Jennifer Fisher, Miranda’s son and daughter came quickly, as did Annie Barcelo, Justin Fisher’s fiance.

“Accidents happen,” Justin Fisher said, while he and his sister comforted their mother. “This isn’t too bad, it could have been worse.”

Neither woman was treated for injuries at the scene.

The official Porterville police report will not be released until later.

-- Contact The Recorder at 784-5000, Ext. 1043.