Headline: Keep it concise and informative. Use strong verbs. Examples:
* "Three Injured in Highway Collision"
* "Pedestrian Struck by Car Downtown"
* "Fatal Accident Shuts Down Main Street"
Lead Paragraph (First Paragraph): This is the most important paragraph. It should answer the who, what, where, when, and why (if known) of the accident in a single sentence or two. Example:
* "Three people were injured in a two-car collision on Highway 17 near Oak Street at approximately 3:00 PM today, according to police."
Body Paragraphs: Expand on the information in the lead. Include:
* Details of the Accident: Describe the type of accident (car crash, fire, fall, etc.), the vehicles involved (make, model, year if known), and the circumstances surrounding the event. Be factual and avoid speculation.
* Injuries and Casualties: Report on the injuries sustained by those involved, including the severity and if anyone was killed. Be sensitive and avoid graphic descriptions unless absolutely necessary. Use accurate terminology (e.g., "sustained serious head injuries" instead of vague terms).
* Police Involvement: Mention the responding agencies (police, fire department, paramedics). Include any preliminary findings or statements from police officials, but avoid speculation about the cause. Note if an investigation is ongoing.
* Witness Accounts: If you have interviewed witnesses, include their statements, but attribute them properly ("According to a witness...") and avoid using anonymous sources unless absolutely necessary. Again, stick to facts.
* Traffic Disruptions: If the accident caused traffic delays or road closures, include that information.
Concluding Paragraph: Summarize the key points and mention any future developments (e.g., ongoing investigation, planned road repairs).
Attribution: Clearly attribute all information to its source (e.g., police report, witness statement, hospital spokesperson).
Style Considerations:
* Accuracy: Fact-checking is paramount. Verify all information before publication.
* Objectivity: Avoid expressing opinions or biases. Present the facts in a neutral tone.
* Clarity: Use clear and concise language. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms.
* Brevity: Keep the report to a reasonable length, focusing on the most important information.
Example incorporating some of these elements:
Headline: Two Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash on Route 28
Lead: Two people were injured this morning in a three-vehicle collision on Route 28 near the intersection with Maple Street, according to the Millbridge Police Department.
Body: The accident, which occurred at approximately 7:15 AM, involved a Honda Civic, a Ford pickup truck, and a delivery van. Police say the Honda Civic, driven by Sarah Miller, 27, of Millbridge, rear-ended the Ford truck, causing a chain reaction that involved the delivery van. Ms. Miller and the driver of the Ford truck, identified as John Smith, 45, of Bridgewater, were transported to Millbridge General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the delivery van was unharmed. Route 28 was closed for approximately two hours while emergency responders cleared the scene and investigated the accident. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.
Remember to always follow your news organization's style guide and ethical guidelines. If you're unsure about any aspect of the reporting, consult with a senior editor or reporter.