Accident injures one, closes US 50

WANDA ENGLISH BURNETT PHOTO
US 50 east of Versailles was closed for a short period of time last Thursday morning, February 15, following an accident that involved a car and a semi tractor-trailer rig. The incident occurred just before the entrance to the State Park. Wess A. Lovins, 26, of Milan, was seriously injured when he went left of center and struck the trailer tandem of an eastbound Freightliner driven by 67-year-old Jesse W. Swafford of Greenville, who was not injured. The impact of the crash caused extensive damage to the Lovins' vehicle and emergency workers responded immediately and were working to free him from the wreckage (above photo). Lovins was airlifted to University of Cincinnati Hospital in Cincinnati by Dove Flight Air. The crash is being investigated by Trooper Jimmy Wells of the Indiana State Police, who was assisted by S/Tpr. Ben Bastin, Tpr. Jason Hankins, and M/MCI Bob Burkhead, all of the Indiana State Police,. Also assisting at the scene were the Ripley County Sheriff's Department, Versailles Fire Department, Rescue 69, Ripley County Medic and Dove Flight Air Ambulance. Investigators believe that Lovins was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident, which resulted in his serious injuries.