Four ETSU students, Phillippa Lahai-Swaray, Hawa Conteh, Peace Toryem and Tashauna Robinson, were involved in a head-on collision last Sunday at about 3 in the morning.
According to police records 20-year-old Lahai-Swaray was traveling west on State of Franklin to turn left on to Jack Vest Drive when she failed to maintain control of her 2000 Jeep Cherokee, ran off the right side of the road and struck a utility pole head-on.
Master Police Officer Keith Nave of the Johnson City Police Department arrived on the scene after an ambulance and fire truck were already notified.
Upon arrival, Nave found the driver, Lahai-Swaray, and passengers Conteh, 18, and Toryem, 20, in the back of an EMS vehicle being attended to for injuries due to the collision. The students were later sent to the Johnson City Medical Center for further treatment. According to Nave, Lahai-Swaray, an ETSU track and field member, had both legs broken in the accident. Conteh, also had a broken leg. Toryem, suffered from an injured eye and 19-year-old Tashauna Robinson, another track team member, had no critical injuries. Lahai-Swaray and Conteh have been released from the hospital.
Nave got what information he could at the scene and later interviewed the driver.
According to the police report, Lahai-Swaray said, “I was traveling north on State of Franklin. I had been to the Second Level. I was driving too fast and was attempting to turn left into ETSU and hit the light pole head on. I tried to brake but was unable to stop.”
Nave said the front end of the car had been totaled. “They were going at least 40 (mph),” he said.
He ruled out all possibilities of alcohol, and believed speed was a contributing factor, but no charges were placed. “They were super nice girls,” Nave said. “I hope this doesn’t affect their track careers.

Author