From Local Sources

NEW HARMONY — Bystanders helped a Department of Natural Resources conservation officer rescue a woman Tuesday afternoon after an off-road-vehicle accident near New Harmony.

Posey County Central Dispatch received a 911 call at 4:28 p.m. about an ORV accident near the intersection of Hidbrader Road and Lang Road in New Harmony. Conservation Officer Keith Wildeman responded to the scene, where the operator of the ORV was trapped underneath the machine.

Wildeman, with the assistance of bystanders, got the ORV off the operator, identified as Patricia Word, 56, of New Harmony.

Authorities said Word was traveling westbound on Hidbrader Road, pulling a trailer, when she lost control, overturning the ORV. A registered nurse who made the 911 call rendered aid until an ambulance arrived.

Word was transported to Deaconess Hospital Midtown with head and spine injuries. She was in critical condition at last report.

Authorities said helmets and protective riding gear were not being worn at the time of the accident. Indiana conservation officers recommend using all available safety equipment and Indiana law requires anyone under 18 who is an operator or passenger on an ORV to wear a helmet.

The Wadesville Volunteer Fire Department, Posey County EMS, Posey County Sheriff’s Office and New Harmony Volunteer Fire Department assisted.