Red Oak Police say four people were injured during a collision Saturday morning on Summit Street. Authorities say the driver of a 1993 Ford Explorer, 20-year old Benjamin Lee Thiel, of Red Oak, suffered possible broken ribs from impact to the steering wheel. The injury occurred after an apparent seat belt failure. Thiel was transported by Red Oak Rescue to the Montgomery County Memorial Hospital.

Three male children passengers in a 2007 Kia Sedona van, driven by 29-year old Nicole Ann Smith, of Red Oak, were also injured. They include a 7-year old, 3-year old and a 1-year old. The children suffered suspected minor, non-incapacitating injuries and were transported by EMS ground to MCMH. Two of the children were then flown to Omaha for further evaluation.

Nicole Smith was not injured in the collision that happened at around 11:30-a.m., Saturday. Smith and the children were properly secured in the vehicle.

Officials say Smith’s Kia was westbound going down Summit Street, while the Explorer was eastbound going up Summit. The SUV lost traction due to the road conditions and crossed the center line, into the path of the KIA. The Explorer hit the van on the front driver’s side. After the impact, the KIA swerved to the right and across Park Driveway before coming to rest in the southwest corner of the parking lot. The SUV came to rest on the road. Both vehicles were totaled in the crash.

The accident remains under investigation, with no citations issued prior to the outcome of the investigation.