SIMULATION OF CAR CRASH PROMPTS CALLS

A simulated motor vehicle accident on the Southeast Missouri State University campus was so realistic it prompted calls to the Cape Girardeau Police Department.

Police dispatchers said they received a half-dozen calls from members of the public who saw a motionless man who appeared to have been thrown through the windshield of his vehicle after the car collided with a tree.

The "accident" happened on Normal Avenue between Academic Auditorium and Kent Library.

Cape Girardeau Fire Capt. Robert A. Thompson said it was all a part of an extrication exercise and a demonstration on the consequences of drinking and driving.

Thompson said three Cape Girardeau rescue workers, the fire chief, fire inspector, fire marshal, two police officers, two Cape Girardeau County Ambulance technicians and a university department of public safety officer participated in the exercise. He said it is an annual demonstration on the campus during Alcohol Awareness Week.