Grandfather pushing baby stroller hit by car on US 19 in Pinellas Park, five injured

PINELLAS PARK, Fla. - Five people, including two children, were injured when two cars collided on US 19 in Pinellas Park Friday around 10:15 a.m.  One of the vehicles hit a grandfather pushing a baby stroller.

According to Pinellas Park Police,  Khatthaphone Chantharat of St. Petersburg was driving a blue Toyota northbound on US 19 when she ran a red light. 

When she went through the intersection, police say Chantharat hit a Saturn heading westbound on 66th Street, causing the Saturn to spin out.

 Both cars wound up in the southbound lanes of 19.  The Saturn, according to witnesses, hit a grandfather and his two grandchildren, who were in a stroller at the time.

"The babies went flying in front of her car in their buggy," said Dave Schell who witnessed the accident.  "They hit hard, bounced and rolled into the parking lot."

The grandchildren, ages 3 and 10-months-old were taken to All Children's Hospital as trauma alerts.  As of 3:00 p.m., police said both were to be released shortly.

The grandfather, Francisco Torres Jr., 59, sustained head injuries.  Police tell ABC Action News Torres was thrown into a parked car and hit his head on the car.  He remains in serious condition at an area hospital.

As for the other two drivers, police say they suffered minor injuries and are OK.

Chantharat was cited for running a red light.  Police do not believe alcohol played a role in this accident.

Cpt. John Green with Pinellas Park Police said although the intersection where this accident happened is high traffic, it is not a problem intersection or prone to accidents.