Accident injures two, clogs commute

Two Carson City women were taken by helicopter to a Reno hospital following an accident near Lakeview Hill on Monday afternoon that blocked northbound Highway 395 traffic for nearly three hours.

A preliminary investigation by the Nevada Highway Patrol indicates a white 2003 Toyota four-door sedan driven by Tracey Ann Demars, 38, of Carson City, was southbound in the left lane when it entered the center median and crossed into the northbound path of Ernest Eugene Fredrick, 80, of Carson City at about noon.

Fredrick's 2002 Saturn four-door sedan struck the right rear of the Toyota, sending it spinning into the hillside.

Two Care Flight helicopters landed on the highway, blocking both directions of travel for about an hour.

Fredrick received minor injuries and was treated at the scene. His wife, Betty Fredrick, and Demars were taken to Washoe Medical Center.

"It's unknown why she crossed the median," said Trooper Mark Zacha of the Nevada Highway Patrol.

Zacha said the victims were all conscious when help arrived, and he was unsure if Demars was wearing a seatbelt.

"There was a broken seatbelt (strap) and we aren't sure if a rescuer cut it off or it snapped," he said.

The Fredricks were wearing their seatbelts, said Trooper Patrick McGill.

Demars was listed in serious condition and Betty Fredrick was in critical condition, said Judy Davis of Washoe Medical Center.