Published: November 25, 2009 12:57 pm      

WEB FIRST: Tractor crash injures driver

A Royal Center woman remains hospitalized with serious injuries after her vehicle struck a manure spreader.

Just after 6 p.m. Tuesday, a 2002 Chrysler Concorde driven by 79-year-old Mary K. Myers slammed into the back of the spreader being hauled along U.S. 35 near 150N by a large Ford tractor driven by 26-year-old Michael J. Hopper of Logansport.

Myers was trapped in her vehicle, and Logansport firefighters used hydraulic cutting tools to free her, according to a Cass County Sheriff’s Department report.

An ambulance took Myers to Logansport Memorial Hospital, where a medical helicopter landed to take her to Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne.

A hospital spokesperson said Myers was in serious condition this morning.

Hopper, who was driving a tractor that belonged to Chapel View Farm, suffered a cut to his face but refused medical treatment.

Police say both Myers and Hopper had been northbound at the time of the accident. The collision occurred when Hopper slowed to turn.

Hopper reportedly told police there were yellow flashing lights plus a work light on the back of the tractor as it traveled after nightfall. A deputy reported that only the work light was functioning after the crash. There were no lights on the spreader.

• Kevin Lilly is news editor of the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at 574-732-5117 or kevin.lilly@pharostribune.com.