Teenager hospitalized after Pownal accident
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STAFF REPORT - Published: July 1, 2009
POWNAL — A Manchester developer was involved in a three-vehicle crash on Tuesday that left a Shaftsbury teenager hospitalized.
In a press release, state police Cpl. Gary Shuhart said Ben Hauben, 66, of New York, N.Y., was driving south on Route 7 in Pownal, near the Massachusetts border, around 3 p.m. Monday when his 2008 Volkswagen Touareg "drifted left of center into a long line of oncoming traffic."
Police said Hauben "narrowly missed" a vehicle in the northbound lane, but hit a 2006 Toyota Tacoma pickup, also in the northbound lane, driven by John F. Bryant, 39, of Williamstown, Mass. The collision sent the truck spinning, police said.
According to police, Hauben's sports utility vehicle continued south and collided with a vehicle driven by Pamela J. Putnam, 18, of Shaftsbury. Police did not describe Putnam's vehicle.
Police said that while Hauben suffered only superficial injuries, Bryant, who was not wearing a seat belt, reported back injuries.
Putnam, who was wearing a seat belt, was taken to Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington with what police said was a ruptured spleen. Putnam was listed in stable condition at the hospital on Tuesday.
Hauben has been credited as the person who started the retail outlet stores in Manchester that have become one of the town's main tourist draws.
Police said the Pownal Fire Department and Pownal Rescue Squad were at the scene and provided assistance on Monday.
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