You are here

Home » RV Accident in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Injures 6

RV Accident in Great Smoky Mountains National Park Injures 6

Share

Published Date

August 23, 2010

Driving a large motor home can be tricky on the smoothest and straightest of roads, but traveling through Great Smoky Mountains National Park carries its own risks, as seven visitors discovered Monday when their RV slid 100 feet down a slope, injuring six of the occupants.

The accident occurred around noon Eastern standard time when Robert McCanna Reilly III, of Miami, tried to pull the RV off the Newfound Gap Road and onto the shoulder about 3 miles south of Newfound Gap.

However, the motorist was unable to stop the rig before the gravel shoulder narrowed too much for the RV, according to park officials. It fell onto its side and slid about 100 feet down a steep embankment, they added.

Mr. Reilly was uninjured, but the six passengers were. Two of the patients with severe injuries were transported by Mountain Area Medical Airlift to Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, the park reported. Four other individuals were transported by Cherokee Tribal Ambulance to Cherokee Hospital with less serious injuries.

Those taken to the Asheville hospital were a 13-year old boy who was in the front passenger seat; and Eduard Koefler, 57, who was in the back of the vehicle, park officials said. The 13-year-old was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the vehicle. Mr. Koefler was removed from inside the vehicle by the occupants.

Park officials identified the other four patients as: Christoper Koefler (18); Ino Reilly, 30; Bridgette Koefler, 56, and Julia Koefler, 10. The Koeflers are all from Austria and were visiting their relatives, the Reillys.

None of the injuries were thought to be life-threatening.

When emergency personnel arrived on the scene all but two of the passengers were alongside the road. The road remained closed as of 4:30 p.m. to allow a crane service to remove the RV from the site.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Robert Reilly on October 3, 2018 - 6:16am.

The family of this accident appreciates for life the tremendous work all did to keep my family safe. We were the recipient of North Carolina love from the local community, Cherokee firefighter's Cherokee hospital and the Ashville hospital. I live in the Alps of Austria now and I can say that mountain road accidents can happen at any time and when driving in the mountains you must never think it can't happen to you. Stay alert, and stay safe because I don't wish what happened to me and my family happens to others.


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.