WORDEN — Five people were injured in a two-vehicle head-on crash on U.S. 56 west of Worden Tuesday afternoon. The Kansas Highway Patrol said Joann O’Brien, 76, Overbrook; was driving west on U.S. 56 when her mini-van crossed the center-line and struck a pickup driven by Darren Othick, 46, Baldwin City; head-on. She was severely injured and flown by helicopter to Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., the highway patrol said Two passengers in her mini-van, Jamie Ullery, 47, Overbrook, and Alice Jean Beatty, 51, of Independence, Mo.; were also severely injured and flown to KU Medical Center. Othick wasn’t injured. However, the highway patrol said two passengers in his truck, Kara Othick, 10, and Caleb Othick, 12; were taken to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. Everyone was wearing seat belts. The crash closed U.S. 56 most of the afternoon but the Kansas Department of Transportation said the road has been reopened.
Wednesday, Jan. 4, 8 a.m.
