Wreck on island injures 2, ties up traffic

OKALOOSA ISLAND — A vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 98 at Santa Rosa Boulevard on Tuesday afternoon sent two men to the hospital and backed up traffic.

Michael W. Davis, 50, of Crestview, was driving a 2007 Suzuki Ferenza east in the outside lane of U. S. 98 about 12:20 p.m., according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Davis told FHP troopers that a blue car in the inside lane started to drift into the outside lane and forced him into the right turn lane, the FHP reported.

A witness told troopers the Ferenza then swerved to the left to avoid a collision with slower moving traffic, according to the FHP. The Ferenza started to rotate, crossed into the westbound lanes and hit a 1993 Jeep Wrangler driven by 28-year-old Chase B. Stewart of Destin.

The Wrangler overturned at least once and its passenger, 32-year-old Kelly Hurley of Destin, was ejected, the FHP reported.

Hurley was listed as having critical injuries and was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, according to the FHP. Davis suffered minor injuries and was taken to Fort Walton Beach Medical Center. Stewart was not hurt.

Davis was cited for careless driving and lack of proof of insurance, the FHP reported.