Loretto woman injured in Sunday morning head-on crash on KY49

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Sunday, June 21, 2015, 3:30 a.m. — The Bardstown Fire Department, New Hope Fire Department, Nelson County EMS and the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office responded early Sunday morning to a head-on collision on Loretto Road south of its intersection with KY 46, Balltown Road.

The two-car injury accident was reported at about 2:05 a.m.  with initial reports that one person was trapped in a vehicle. Firefighters arrived on scene and spent approximately 25 minutes extricating Martha Gootee, 57, of Loretto, from her 2008 Toyota Corolla, which was off the roadway on sitting on its side.

Firefighters setup a landing zone for a medical helicopter so it could land at the accident scene. The victim suffered injuries that included severe head and facial trauma, and possible fractures of the left shoulder and left leg. She was flown to University Hospital for treatment.

Police located the operator of the second vehicle, Jonathon Smith, 21, of Bardstown, who was under the influence. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs/etc., assault, first-degree; and wanton endangerment, first-degree.

The New Hope Volunteer Fire Department was assisted by the Bardstown Fire Department. New Hope firefighters stayed at the scene assisting law enforcement for about 2 hours.

The Nelson County Sheriffs office is continuing its investigation in this matter.

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