Comet staff report

Three teenagers were injured last Wednesday evening after the car they were riding in struck a utility pole on CR500S near CR375E.

The driver, Chance J. Gerten, 16, of Bringhurst told sheriff's deputies he was westbound at 65 mph when he came around a corner and lost control of his vehicle off of the north side of the roadway. He said he believed his vehicle struck a culvert and went airborne, striking a utility pole.

At the time of the report, both passengers were critically injured.

The front seat passenger, Danielle Maier, 15, Burlington, was ejected from the car and suffered a severe head injury. She was transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis via Samaritan Helicopter.

The back seat passenger, Jamie Rogers, 15, Burlington, was transported via helicopter for fractures to her leg and a possible fracture of the pelvis.

Gerten was treated at the scene for minor scrapes. He was later taken by his parents to Howard Community Hospital.

The sheriff's report stated the 1998 Intrigue overturned and landed on its hood after striking the pole. The front bumper and other debris lay about 25 feet from the utility pole. Forty-four feet from the debris, the car lay overturned.

Officers said the three teens, all students at Carroll Jr.-Sr. Senior High School, were not wearing safety restraints.

Deputy Zackary Hall investigated, assisted by Sgt. James Bishop of the Flora Police Department.