Published: July 18, 2008 10:23 am            

2 Branford women seriously hurt in crash

Two Branford women were seriously injured in a Columbia County traffic accident Thursday, according to Florida Highway Patrol reports. Ethel Wilkerson, 86, and Wilma Denise Stephens, 54, were taken to area hospitals, said FHP.

Wilkerson and Stephens were passengers in a 1989 Ford van driven by Virgle Morris Lindsey, 66, of Ft. White. Lindsey’s vehicle was struck at the intersection of CR 240 and SR 247 by a 2002 Dodge van driven by Karen Simmons, 55, of Mt. Dora.

Simmons, whom FHP said was distracted by her GPS system, ran the flashing red light at the intersection, according to reports. She was charged with failure to stop at a flashing red traffic signal/light.

Lindsey received minor injuries; Simmons was unhurt.

All occupants of both vehicles were wearing seat belts, said FHP.

The crash occurred at 11:56 a.m.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.