Thursday, May 20, 2010

Audrey Lewis' last words were to a Sedgwick Co. 911 dispatcher as she called for help.

Lewis' car stopped in the middle of a lane on the I-135 flyover near Central Ave. early Wednesday morning. As she tried to tell dispatchers where she was, a minivan struck her from behind. Lewis, 53, died at the scene. The minivan driver was treated and released from the hospital.

KAKE News requested permission to hear the recording to learn more about what happened and how quickly emergency crews were able to respond. Sedgwick Co. 911 allowed a reporter to listen to the tape at its downtown offices, but did not provide a copy.

Lewis' call came in at 1:39 a.m. Lewis told the dispatcher she was on "the bypass" north of Second Street. She sounded confused as the dispatcher asked her to clarify if she meant Interstate 135, and specifically where she had stopped. The dispatcher was able to triangulate Lewis' approximate location by tracing the nearest cell phone tower to Second & Kansas streets.

Only 58 seconds into the call, there is the sudden sound of tires screeching and a crash. Lewis' line remains open, but she gives no response to dispatchers asking if she is okay.

At 1:41 a.m., 911 sends an alert to Wichita Police, Fire and EMS of an injury accident at Lewis' location.

The dispatcher remained on the line attempting to contact Lewis, but never received a response. Over the next few minutes, voices can be heard as passersby race to Lewis' aid. One woman can be heard saying she knows Lewis.

Five minutes later, at 1:46 a.m., the first police crew arrives at the scene. Fire and EMS follow within the next two minutes. The sound of sirens can be heard through Lewis' phone.

At 1:50 a.m., a rescue team pronounces Lewis dead at the scene. The dispatcher ends the call shortly thereafter. From start to finish, the call lasts 12 minutes.

Crash investigators say Lewis was not wearing a seat belt. They also say they found alcohol and prescription drugs in her car, but are waiting for autopsy results before determining if the items or a medical condition played any role in the accident. They are also investigating the possibility her car broke down.

The Kansas Highway Patrol says turning on your flashers and calling 911 while remaining in your car with your seat belt fastened is the best course of action in this type of situation.