Letter carriers have a reputation for delivering the mail against all odds, whether it’s inclement weather or snarling dogs. But a car accident Monday at 3 p.m. did stop one postal worker from completing her Langley route.

Debbie Thomas, a rural carrier for the Langley Post Office, was stopped at a traffic light waiting to turn right onto Langley Road from Highway 525. She was driving a white 1986 Chevrolet station wagon, when she was hit from behind by a 2001 Malibu driven by William E. Johnson of Clinton.

Thomas was transported to Whidbey General Hospital, treated for minor injuries and released. Johnson and his passenger were uninjured

According to witnesses, Thomas was stopped at a red light before making the turn when the impact pushed her into the center of the intersection. Traffic in the area was detoured around the vehicle for about an hour.

According to the Langley postmaster, Jack Harrington, a substitute mail carrier, Allen Carpenter, happened to be driving by when the accident occurred.

“Allen stopped and as soon as emergency crews were finished removing Thomas from her car, Carpenter loaded the mail in his car and finished the route,” Harrington said.

Mail delivery was about an hour late that day.