A vehicle-pedestrian collision in Prineville over the weekend resulted in injuries to Father Joseph Kunnelaya, a local priest. The accident occurred around 8:45 a.m. at the intersection of N. Main Street and NE 7th Street.
Witnessed by a Prineville police officer, the incident involved a 71-year-old man crossing in a crosswalk when he was struck by a vehicle turning onto 7th Street. Father Kunnelaya was on his morning walk when the accident happened.
He was airlifted to St. Charles in Bend, initially in critical condition, but following surgery on his leg, he is now conscious and in good spirits. Church leaders are hopeful for his recovery and anticipate that he may soon be moved out of intensive care.
The driver of the vehicle remained on the scene and showed no signs of impairment. Authorities believe that sun glare and other environmental factors may have hampered the driver’s visibility, contributing to the accident.
