A Cranston man failed to make the curve on Main Street at London Street early Wednesday morning, crashing into the wall on the north side of the East Greenwich Farms parking lot, causing serious injury.
Just after 1 a.m., a police officer passed John Balfour as Balfour drove his motorcycle north on Main Street by Hill Funeral Home, according to Det. Sergeant Jon Chirnside. Using a mobile radar device, the officer found Balfour was going 73 mph (the speed limit is 30 mph there).
The officer made a u-turn in time to see Balfour run the red light at Main Street and Rocky Hollow Road. According to Chirnside, Balfour continued north on Main Street but was not able to navigate the curve at London Street, proceeding straight into the low wall between the parking lot of East Greenwich Farm convenience store and the parking lot next door.
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His injuries were serious, said Chirnside. He was taken to Kent Hospital, then transferred to Rhode Island Hospital, where he is in intensive care.
In addition to speeding, police concluded Balfour had been drinking. Chirnside said he will be charged with traffic violations and driving while intoxicated.
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This is not the first time a serious accident took place at that curve. In December 2010, a Johnston man drove his car into the same wall at East Greenwich Farm, killing himself and seriously injuring his girlfriend. In that accident, the driver was estimated to have been traveling at nearly 100 mph in rainy conditions.
Typically, said Chirnside, “it’s not a tough curve to negotiate but when you’re traveling at those speeds and with that impairment, obviously it is.”Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
