A Dec. 17 accident sent three to two hospitals, Franklin County Chief Deputy John Roberts said.

Robert O’Rourke, 79, Metamora, was driving a 1996 Buick Roadmaster west on U.S. 52 at about 10:51 a.m. when he ran off the north side and lost control.

The vehicle went left of center, where it struck a 2007 Ford Fusion operated by Rodney Johnson, 44, Laurel, head-on.

Then the Roadmaster struck a tree at the edge of the Whitewater Canal.

With head and hip injuries, O’Rourke was taken by Brookville EMS to Margaret Mary Community Hospital. With chest injuries, Johnson and a passenger, Jamie Nobbe, 23, Laurel, were transported by Laurel EMS to Fayette Regional Health System, Connersville.