An accident involving a UTV in Carroll County, Tuesday, resulted in three women being transported to area hospitals. The Iowa State Patrol reports the accident happened when, for reasons unknown, a 2011 John Deere UTV went into the north ditch at 28478 235 Street, near Glidden. The machine struck a utility pole before coming to rest. Two occupants were ejected during the crash, while a third was partially ejected. None of the occupants were wearing seat belts.

The operator of the machine, 29-year old Elise Soyer, of Carroll, and a passenger, 23-year old Brooklyn Schamens, also of Carroll, were transported by ambulance to St. Anthony Regional Hospital, in Carroll. Another passenger, 58-year old Carola Bernholtz, of Carroll, was flown by Unity Point Air Ambulance to Iowa Methodist Hospital, for treatment of serious injuries.

The Patrol says alcohol is believed to have been a contributing factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.