Personal injury collision in Lincoln County

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol reported that a personal injury collision occurred at about 4:32 p.m. Friday on US 177, about three-tenths of a mile south of County Road 990, which is about 10 miles south of Wellston, OK in Lincoln County.

The patrol said the accident involved a 2013 Dodge driven by Charles P. Barrows (SIC), 34, of Ponca City, OK. Barrows was not injured.

A passenger in Barrows’ vehicle, Matthew Wright (SIC), 34, of Ponca City, OK was also not injured.

The second vehicle involved was a 2013 Chevrolet driven by Daniel Nicklas (SIC), 64, of Shawnee, OK. Nicklas was transported by REACT to OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City, OK, where he was admitted in fair condition with neck and internal trunk injuries.

The third vehicle involved was a 2007 Toyota driven by Gunner Baker (SIC), 18, of Mannford, OK. Baker was not injured.

The Highway Patrol’s report stated that Barrows’ vehicle and Baker’s vehicle were northbound on US 177. Nicklas’ vehicle was southbound on US 177. Baker fell asleep and crossed the center line to the shoulder. Baker then woke up and jerked to the right, striking Barrows’ vehicle in the left rear. Baker’s vehicle then crossed back over the center line, striking Nicklas’ vehicle head on. Seatbelts were equipped and in use by all parties. Airbags were equipped in all vehicles; the airbags deployed in Nicklas’ and Baker’s vehicles. The report lists Baker’s condition as “sleepy.” The condition of the other two drivers at the time was apparently normal. The cause of the collision is noted in the report as “other improper act or movement – apparently sleepy.” The report also notes that weather was cloudy and the roadway was wet.

Investigated by Trooper Porter #275 of the Lincoln County detachment of Troop A. Assisted by Meeker Police Department, Wellston Police Department, Jacktown Fire Department, and REACT.

This report is based upon the trooper’s investigation of this collision. It may contain the opinion of the trooper.