Published: November 09, 2009 12:24 pm      

Several hurt in area wrecks

PAOLI — Several people were injured in multiple weekend wrecks.

On Saturday, a Paoli man was injured in Murray County in a single-vehicle wreck. Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Doug Brinson said the wreck happened on Interstate 35 at mile marker 51 just before 10 p.m.

James T. Pickle, 26, Paoli, was driving a 2002 Ford Explorer south when he swerved for an unknown reason. The vehicle slid sideways, ran off the road and overturned one complete time. Pickle was ejected an unknown distance.

He was taken by Air Evac to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City and admitted in serious condition with internal injuries. Brinson said Pickle was not wearing a seat belt. The cause of the wreck is under investigation.

Another Saturday wreck involved a motorcycle and troopers said driving under the influence was the cause. The incident occurred five and one-half miles north of Elmore City.

OHP Trooper Heath Green said Bobby Hodge, 57, Pauls Valley, was driving a 2000 Harley Davidson south on State Highway 74 when the wreck occurred at 7:17 p.m.

Hodge lost control of the bike and was ejected an unknown distance. He was taken by Air Evac to Norman Regional Hospital and admitted with head and arm injuries. He is listed as stable.

Hodge was wearing a helmet and based on his investigative opinion, Green said Hodge’s ability was impaired by drinking.

Two minor injury wrecks occurred in Pontotoc County Sunday. The first occurred just after 10 a.m. at the intersection of Latta Road and the J.A. Richardson Loop.

A woman who reportedly exited the Loop failed to yield the right of way at a stop sign and her Ford Edge was hit in the front quarter panel by another person driving a Nissan Rogue north on Latta Road.

Troopers said the woman was on her way to church. A woman in the Nissan complained of chest pain and was taken by Valley View EMS to Valley View Regional Hospital and treated and released.

Another wreck happened near the Oakman area just after noon. According to radio traffic, it was vehicle versus tree with two people in the vehicle.

One refused medical treatment and the other was taken to Carl Albert Hospital and treated and released. Valley View EMS, Ada and Homer firefighters, Pontotoc County sheriff’s deputies and OHP troopers reponded.