Two sent to hospital after crash

PHOTO BY DAVID LOWE A 2008 Jeep sport utility vehicle collided with this 1996 Mazda Protege Tuesday morning at U.S. Highway 281 and E.E. Jr. Ohnmeiss Drive, sending the Mazda's driver and passenger, both of Austin, to Rollins Brook Community Hospital.

A two-vehicle collision at U.S. Highway 281 and E.E. Jr. Ohnmeiss Drive Tuesday morning sent two people to Rollins Brook Community Hospital.

Austin resident Yvette Fischer, driving a 1996 Mazda Protege, was northbound on U.S. 281 when a 2008 Jeep sport utility vehicle, driven by Kyle Rhoades of Copperas Cove, pulled in front of the Mazda from a stop sign at the intersection.

The two vehicles collided, and the Mazda spun 180 degrees. The Jeep ended up on an embankment off the west side of U.S. 281 near the entrance to the Hostess House parking lot.

Capital Ambulance transported Fischer and her passenger, Thomas Byars of Austin, to Rollins Brook. Injuries appeared to be "non life-threatening," Sgt. Charles Montgomery of the Lampasas Police Department said.

Police received a 9-1-1 call about the accident at 9:26 a.m. and arrived on the scene by 9:29 a.m.

The Lampasas Fire Department also responded, as smoke was coming from the Mazda's engine. Firefighters and paramedics cleaned up anti-freeze and engine fluids spilled at the intersection.