Jim Powers, Lawrence, holds his daughter Sarah, 4, after his wife, Marcia, and daughter swerved to avoid a head-on collision north of Lawrence. At least two people were injured — one critically — after a serious accident on U.S. Highway 24-40 near the Lawrence Municipal Airport. The accident was reported about 6:30 p.m. near mile marker 395 on the highway, between East 1500 and 1600 roads. Two people were transported by ambulance to area hospitals. Traffic was backed up in both directions Friday evening, with emergency personnel directing motorists through the area. Both vehicles involved in the accident, a white Honda and white Acura passenger vehicle, had come to rest in the ditch on the south side of the road. Additional information regarding the accident and condition of the patients was unavailable Friday night.

At least two people are injured — one critically — after a serious accident on U.S. Highway 24-40 near the Lawrence Airport.

The accident was reported about 6:30 p.m. near mile marker 395 on the highway, between East 1500 and 1600 roads. A helicopter ambulance was originally called for to transport the patient in critical condition, but was disregarded minutes later. Two people were transported by ambulance to area hospitals.

A witness, Marcia Powers, said she was driving on the highway and swerved to miss a vehicle driving in the wrong lane. Her vehicle ended up in a ditch along the highway, but she was uninjured. However, the oncoming vehicle hit a vehicle traveling behind Powers’ in a head-on collision.

Traffic was backed up in both directions Friday evening, with emergency personnel directing motorists through the area. Both vehicles involved in the accident, a white Honda and white Acura passenger vehicle, had come to rest in the ditch on the south side of the road.

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