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One person critically injured in rollover accident on Thruway

By Howard B. Owens

A rollover accident on the Thruway at 2:48 p.m., yesterday, sent all five people in the GMC Jimmy to Erie County hospitals, two by Mercy Flight, with one person still listed in critical condition at ECMC.

The SUV was driven by Lorriann Mingle, 44, of Depew. Mingle apparently swerved to avoid an unidentified car coming into her lane of travel. When she tried to move back into her lane, she over corrected, according to State Police, and when her tires hit the soft shoulder, the car flipped over.

Her front seat passenger, Dawn Hess, 40, of Palmyra, suffered a head injury, broken ribs and a broken arm.

Hess is listed in critical condition.

Mingle suffered cuts and abrasions and was treated and released at ECMC.

The Thruway was closed in both directions for 30 minutes while Mingle and Hess were picked up by Mercy Flight.

Three children in the back seat were transported to Women's and Children's Hospital in Buffalo for evaluation of minor injuries. Their names were not released.

All five people were wearing their seat belts properly, according to State Police.

The driver of the other vehicle has not been identified and no charges are pending.

(initial report)

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