BARTON COUNTY – Law enforcement authorities in Barton County are investigating a head-on collision that sent two people to area hospitals.

The Barton County Sheriff’s office reported just after 6p.m. on Wednesday, a 2007 Chevy Impala driven by Akia Blackburn, 17, Ellinwood, was southbound in the 300 Block of Northeast 10 Avenue.

The driver lost control on the gravel road near the West Walnut Creek bridge. The vehicle crossed the centerline and collided head-on with an northbound 2012 Lincoln driven by Gina Westhoff, 39, Great Bend.

Blackburn was initially transported to the hospital in Great Bend and then transferred to a hospital in Wichita.
Westhoff was transported to the hospital in Great Bend.

Speed was a contributing factor in the collision, according to the Sheriff’s Department. The accident remains under investigation.