The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office reports two women were injured during a near head-on collision that occurred at around 3:45-p.m. Thursday, at the intersection of Highway 71 and 110th Street. Authorities say Debra Bender was driving a 2012 Chrysler 200 northbound on Highway 71 in the slow lane, while a non-contact vehicle was making a left turn onto westbound 110th Street. A 2000 GMC 1500 pickup driven by Gary Johnson, of rural Villisca, began to turn left (east). When Johnson failed to see Bender’s car in time, the right front side of his pickup struck the right front side of the Chrysler.

Debra Bender and her passenger were transported to the hospital. The passenger was subsequently transported by helicopter to the UNMC in Omaha. Authorities say Gary Johnson was not injured in the crash. No citations were issued. Both vehicles were declared a total loss. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department was assisted at the scene by personnel from the Grant, Griswold and Villisca Fire and Rescue Departments.