Published: October 28, 2009 12:06 pm      

NEW: 2 injured in Tuesday crash

1 driver suffers serious injuries

A crash in eastern Howard County Tuesday evening sent two individuals to the hospital, one with serious injuries, Howard County Sheriff Marty Talbert reported.

Melany A. Ward, 45, 2400 block of North 600 East, suffered a fractured pelvis, multiple broken ribs, and abrasions, according to Talbert. She was admitted to Howard Regional Health Systems in stable condition. 

Kevin R. Pennington, 52, of Granger, suffered a fractured left arm, fractured left wrist and rib injuries, Talbert said. He was treated and released from Howard Regional’s emergency room.

Sheriff deputies said Ward was driving a blue 2008 Dodge Nitro northbound on 600 East around 5 p.m. when she attempted to cross U.S. 35.

Deputies said she pulled into the path of Pennington, who was traveling westbound on U.S. 35 in a black 2005 Chrysler 300C. 

Talbert said the impact threw both vehicles off the northwest corner of the intersection, and caused Ward’s SUV to roll over. The Greentown Volunteer Fire Department extricated both drivers from their vehicles, Talbert said. 

“It was raining and overcast at the time of the crash,” Deputy Paul Cherry said.

“The use of seat belts by both drivers and the side curtain airbags in the Nitro were obvious factors in reducing the severity of the injuries,” he added. 

Both drivers were traveling alone at the time of the crash. 

Both vehicles were listed as total losses. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Greentown EMS ambulance, and paramedics from Howard Regional.