State Rep. Bob Ballinger and his son were injured in a two-vehicle wreck on Sunday (March 23) on Arkansas 45 in Goshen, authorities said.
Ballinger, R-Hindsville, received a cut to one hand, and his son was taken by Central EMS to a hospital with a fractured jaw, officials said.
A medical helicopter arrived at the accident site about 10 a.m. and took another injured person to a hospital in Springfield, Mo., authorities said. A third injured person was taken by Central EMS to a hospital. Their names and conditions were not released on Sunday.
The accident happened when a Ford Focus with two women inside made a left turn onto Arkansas 45 and pulled in front of a Chevrolet V-71 driven by Ballinger, police said. The two women in the Ford are the ones who also were hospitalized in the wreck, officials said. The extent of their injuries was unknown Sunday.
"I did meet the family of the passenger, and they told me she was doing well," Ballinger said. "They were waiting to get all of the results from tests back, but the family thought she was going to be OK. I do not know the condition of the driver. I do know she was airlifted to Springfield."
Ballinger said his 20-year-old son, Bobby, one of five people in that vehicle, underwent surgery at Washington Regional Medical Center for a fractured jaw. Ballinger said the doctors believe his son will make a full recovery.
"Bobby is a first responder, so he got out and went to work the accident right away before he realized he had busted his jaw," he said. "After a little bit of adrenaline wore off he knew he was in bad shape."
Ballinger said own injury required him to receive nine stitches in his right hand. He said the rest of his family suffered no serious injuries.
"I've got nine stitches and a beat up knee and hand," he said.
Ballinger was cited for having an expired driver's license. The driver of the Ford was cited for careless driving and having no driver's license, officials said.