Wanda English Burnett – Editor

An accident on US 421 just north of Versailles had the road shut down for about two hours Tuesday evening, February 27, while emergency crews worked to free both drivers from their vehicles.

According to information from Deputy Steven D. Sullivan of the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, the call came in at 6:41 p.m. saying a two-vehicle accident had occurred in close proximity to the drive-in theatre on US 421. Upon arriving, Sullivan found that both drivers were in need of extrication. Robert Hogston II of Osgood, was operating a 1995 Saturn that was northbound on US 421. Preliminary investigation found that he crossed the center line into the path of a Ford Contour that was being operated by Judith A. Wells, 61, of Batesville, who was traveling southbound, causing a head-on collision.

Hogston suffered internal injuries and was air lifted to UC Medical Center in Cincinnati by PHI out of North Vernon. Wells was transported to the Margaret Mary Community Hospital in Batesville. She suffered a broken wrist and ankle.

Additional manpower was needed at the scene due to the nature of the accident and the Osgood Fire Department, along with Versailles and New Marion were on the scene. Also assisting at the accident scene was Ripley County Medic, Rescue 69, Task Unit One and first responders.

The accident is currently under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office.