Three Injured, Driver Cited in Hwy. 20W Crash

A two-car crash on Highway 20 west of Bend Wednesday afternoon sent three women to the hospital, one of whom was ticketed for pulling out in front of another car at the Old Bend-Redmond Highway, officials said.

The highway was partially blocked for about an hour after the crash, which occurred around 4:10 p.m., according to Deschutes County sheriff?s Lt. Deron McMaster.

Deputies determined a tan 1994 Ford Tempo driven by Toshia Hohimer, 19, of Eugene, with passenger Krystal Carr, 21, also of Eugene, were heading west on Highway 20 in the left lane, going about 55 mph and approaching the intersection.

A blue 2005 Toyota Corolla driven by Lynette Blue, 65, of Bend, was stopped at the stop sign on the Old Bend-Redmond Highway, waiting to turn left (east) onto Highway 20, McMaster said.

Blue pulled out into traffic, into the path of Hohimer?s car, and Hohimer was unable to stop or avoid a collision, McMaster said.

Hohimer?s car struck Blue?s car broadside on the driver-side door, he said. After impact, Blue?s car went into the ditch on the south side of Highway 20, while Hohimer?s car came to rest blocking the westbound lanes of Highway 20.

Blue was trapped in her car, and Bend fire crews had to use tools to cut away the wreckage to free her, McMster said.

All three women were taken by ambulance to St. Charles Medical Center-Bend, where Blue was listed in fair condition Wednesday night and Hohimer and Carr were treated and released, a nursing supervisor said.

McMaster said while no criminal charges have been filed, Blue was cited for careless driving and failure to obey a traffic control device.