(BLACKFRORD) – Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a single-vehicle ORV accident that happened Sunday in Blackford County, resulting in a woman being airlifted to St. Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne for treatment for critical injuries.
Two other adult female passengers were also treated at Blackford County Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
At approximately 5:17 p.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to the 3700 block of East State Road 18.
Per the initial investigation, Cynthia Beeks (62, Montpelier) was operating a side-by-side UTV in a field. Beeks attempted to take a sharp turn at a high rate of speed, causing the ORV to roll over, pinning her beneath. Her two passengers, Tammy Garrett (48, Alexandria) and Kristin Roberts (48, Alexandria) both suffered minor injuries.
All three were transported by ambulance to Blackford County Hospital. Due to the seriousness of the injuries, Beeks was then helicoptered to St. Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne.
The women did not have permission to operate an ORV in the field where the accident occurred. None were wearing any protective gear. The investigation into this incident is still ongoing.
Other agencies responding to the scene include Montpelier Police Department, Montpelier Fire Department, Montpelier EMS, and Hartford City Fire Department.​