Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Carson City firefighters treat a woman following a rollover accident on Fifth Street on Wednesday afternoon near the Nevada State Prison. She was taken to Washoe Medical Center by Care Flight.
A Carson City woman was injured Wednesday when she struck a cottonwood tree on East Fifth Street and was ejected from her rolling vehicle.
Brian Hansen, 19, of Carson City said he was about two car lengths behind Shannon Gatlin, 22, when she swerved into the dirt shoulder just west of the Nevada State Prison.
Hansen said Gatlin's eastbound Nissan sedan struck the tree then rolled at least twice, vaulting over four strings of barbed-wire fencing surrounding the Lompa Ranch property.
"When she hit the tree, she was ejected out the front windshield, and she flew through the barbed-wire fence. She was laying probably within 2 or 3 feet of where the car eventually landed," said Deputy Bill Richards.
Hansen, his arms spotted with blood, said he immediately stopped and ran to aid Gatlin, who was conscious, but not moving.
"She was worried about her car, but I told her at least she's alive," he said.
Gatlin was taken by helicopter to Washoe Medical Center with non-life- threatening injuries.
"She's very lucky," Hansen said in disbelief.
n Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.
