Beech Tree News Network

A single-car accident this afternoon at shortly after 3 p.m. on the Natcher Parkway has resulted in a Richmond, Kentucky woman, Elizabeth Smith, being transported by air to the Vanderbilt University Hospital in Nashville.  The wreck took place between the 30 and 32 mile marker on Natcher Parkway between Morgantown and Owensboro.  

According to Butler County Sheriff's Deputy Heath West, who worked  the accident, Smith apparently fell asleep at the wheel, exited the road onto the median, corrected and then crossed back over the road before leaving it again on the right side striking an embankment  The deputy said the vehicle traveled approximately 400 feet in the median, overturned and ended up on its side.  Smith was partially ejected, resulting in her being trapped under a portion of the vehicle.  

Members of the Morgantown Volunteer Fire Department and the Butler County Rescue Squad used air bags to lift the vehicle in order to remove her from the back window of the car.  Butler County EMS also responded.  Smith was transported by air to Vanderbilt for treatment of head trauma.