Tuesday, February 10, 2009

At 10:35 pm last night, a one vehicle accident occurred at Pretty Prairie Rd. and K-14 highway.

A 1994 Ford, driven by 18-year-old Derek Ballinger, of Turon, was traveling west bound on Pretty Prairie Rd, and did not see the stop sign at K-14 until he was right at the intersection. He then tried to stop, causing the vehicle to go out of control and go through the intersection and into the north ditch causing the vehicle to roll several times before coming to rest on its top.

Ballinger and a rear seat passenger, William McReynolds, 20, also of Turon, were ejected from the vehicle. The front seat passenger, Joseph Spellman, 19, of Sylvia, and Ballinger were transported by Pretty Prairie EMS to Promise Regional Hospital in Hutchinson.

McReynolds was transported by Lifeteam Helicopter to St. Francis Hospital in Wichita, with serious injuries.

Ballinger and Spellman's injuries did not appear to be serious.
None of the occupants were wearing seat belts and alcohol is believed to be a factor in the accident.

The accident is still being investigated.