Published: February 18, 2008 02:53 pm            

Two vehicles collide; deputy injured

Ada — ADA—A Johnston County reserve deputy was injured in a head-on collision Sunday night.

The accident occurred 6 miles south of Ada on State Highway 99.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper James McKee said a 2000 Chevrolet pickup driven by Stephen J. Eckman, 54, Tishomingo, and a 2007 Honda Ridgeline driven by William Thomas Adams, 62, Ada, collided after one of the vehicles crossed the center line. McKee said he has yet to determine which vehicle crossed the line.

Eckman was driving south and after the collision, the pickup turned on its side and slid 100 feet before rolling upside down and skidding for another 100 feet.

Eckman was taken to Valley View Regional Hospital by EMS, then flown by Eagle-Med to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City. He was admitted in fair condition with head, trunk and arm injuries.

Adams was not injured in the wreck. The Honda skidded for almost 100 feet before coming to rest in a ditch. The highway was closed for almost two hours to clear scattered debris.

McKee said conditions were clear and seat belts were in use by both men. Ada firefighters, Pontotoc County sheriff’s deputies and Chickasaw Nation Lighthorse police responded. McKee was also assisted by OHP Trooper Tyler Jack.

        

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