Carson City men critical

Two Carson City men remained hospitalized Monday following a weekend car collision in Mound House.

Juan Lopez Torres, 33, and his passenger, Nicolas Salas, 35, were taken by Care Flight helicopter to Washoe Medical Center after an crash Sunday on Highway 50 East near Dump Hill.

Salas was listed in critical condition, and Torres was upgraded to serious condition Monday.

Ernie Carpenter, 62 and his wife, Barbara Carpenter, 63, of Yerington, were driving east in a 2001 Ford 350 truck when Torres, in a 1989 Mercury Sable, attempted to cross in front of them to make a left turn, said Trooper Blair Harkleroad of the Nevada Highway Patrol.

The Carpenters' truck slammed into Torres' driver's-side door.

Both Carpenters were wearing seat belts, Harkleroad said, but Torres and Salas were not.

Harkleroad said that although beer cans littered the inside of the Sable, it is unknown if alcohol was a factor in the accident until results of a blood test are received.