Wanda English Burnett - Editor

Three Ripley County residents were injured in a three-vehicle accident last Wednesday, November 29, which occurred in Decatur County.

Denver Summers of Osgood was taken by helicopter to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis with serious injuries. Also injured in the incident was Kenneth Copeland and his son, Sam, Versailles, who were rear-ended by the Summers’ vehicle. A third man was also injured, John Remmler of Adams. Remmler and the Copelands complained of whiplash type injuries, but were not seriously injured.

Officials reported that the Copelands were “lucky.” They noted that they were hauling a truck rim and when they were hit from behind, the rim flew forward and crashed through the rear window striking both of them in the head. “It’s a miracle they weren’t hurt a lot worse,” noted Amy Copeland, wife of Sam. Law enforcement officials agreed.

Police believe the accident occurred when Summers failed to stop for vehicles stopped on US 421 due to highway crews working in the area. His car smashed into the back of the Copeland truck causing it to crash into another pick-up truck and nearly into a semi. His gold Lincoln Town Car was demolished in the crash that was possibly caused from him dozing at the wheel, according to Decatur County Sheriff’s Deputy Eric Kramer.