Mother, daughter are critically injured in crash near Kingfisher

By Cass Rains, Staff Writer

March 18, 2009 11:59 pm

— Two people are in critical condition following the collision of an SUV and semi Wednesday morning about one mile south of Kingfisher on U.S. 81, the Oklahoma High-way Patrol reported.
According to a report, a 2004 Jeep was southbound behind a 2000 Freightliner tractor-trailer. The Jeep struck the back of the semi as it was making a left turn about 8:40 a.m.
The driver of the Jeep, Shannon Lyn Lara, 26, of Hennessey, was transported by helicopter to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City and was admitted with head, arm and internal injuries. She was listed in critical condition. Her 6-year-old daughter, Shaelyn Nicole Lara, also was taken to OU Medical Center by helicopter and was admitted in critical condition with a head injury.
Karlee Ann Lara, 3, and Heather Dawn Gritz, 16, of Hennessey, were taken by ambulance to Kingfisher Regional Medical Center. The 3-year-old was treated and released, and Gritz was admitted in stable condition with a head injury, according to the report.
The driver of the semi, Vashon Cravens Holley, 35, of Oklahoma City, was not injured.
According to the report, seat belts were in use in both vehicles, and Shannon Lara was pinned for about 30 minutes. The cause of the accident is listed as inattention.
A portion of U.S. 81 where the accident occurred was closed for about two hours, the patrol reported.