Two airlifted from scene of head-on collision in Keavy

Two people were airlifted Tuesday afternoon from the scene of a head-on collision on Ky. 312 in Keavy and seven others were injured.

The wreck involving a Ford Mustang and Toyota SUV occurred about 2:30 p.m. just east of Roscoe’s Market.

Robert Kelley, who witnessed the wreck, said the Mustang was travelling east when it drifted into the westbound lane of traffic, colliding with the Toyota as it crested a blind hill.

“He must have been doing about 60 mph,” Kelley said of the Mustang.

Kelley said a female passenger was able to get out of the vehicle, but had suffered a head wound.

The driver, along with three children, were trapped inside the Mustang.

Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputy Gilbert Acciardo, the department’s public affairs officer, said the driver, 25-year-old Tyler Herrell of Williamsburg, and a 7-year-old child, were both airlifted.

The female passengers, 18-year-old Sabrina Henson of Rockholds, and 33-year-old Jennifer Bowling of Corbin, along with two other children, ages 14 and 11, were also injured.

The driver of the Toyota, 28-year-old Crystal Johnson of Corbin, along with two juvenile passengers, ages 2 and 15, were injured as well.

Keavy and West Knox firefighters were called to the scene.

Keavy Fire Chief Richard Bales said firefighters used the Jaws-of-Life to cut the roof, driver’s side door and backs of the seats off, and to move the dash to extricate Herrell..

That portion of Ky. 312 was closed to traffic for more than an hour as emergency personnel worked to clear the scene.

Laurel County Sheriff’s Deputy Rick Cloyd is continuing the investigation.