MENTONE — A driver and one of two passengers were airlifted by air ambulances to an undisclosed hospital following a one-vehicle accident Sunday morning, April 3. The accident was at 2:13 a.m. on West SR 25, west of South CR 1000W.

The driver: Nicholas S. Stahl, 25, North CR 175E, Rochester, suffered a fracture/dislocation to the abdomen/pelvic area. A passenger: Scott J. Cox, 35, West CR 1000S, Akron, suffered possible internal injuries. Both Stahl and Cox were trapped in the vehicle and were extricated by fire personnel.

A second passenger, Kevin S. Wright, 53, West Red Bird Lane, Mentone, was not injured.

Officers with the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department report it appears Stahl was eastbound on SR 25 in the area of CR 1000W. Wright stated the 2004 GMC began to slide. After the vehicle lost traction it went off the highway and struck a utility pole and then overturned, coming to rest on the driver’s side.

Police note all occupants of the vehicle were believed to be under the influence of an alcohol.  Operating a vehicle while intoxicated investigation is being conducted.

Damage was estimated up to $25,000.