Three taken to hospital in Goodland after accident

GOODLAND -- An early morning rollover accident in Sherman County sent three travelers to the hospital today after the driver of the vehicle reportedly fell asleep at the wheel.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Rhonda K. Bates, 55, Montrose, Colo., was heading west on Interstate 70, approximately 5 miles east of Goodland, at about 7:05 a.m. when she fell asleep while driving.

As the 1996 Chevy Blazer she was driving went into the median, Bates overcorrected and crossed back into the westbound lane, striking a mile-marker post. The vehicle then rolled three times and landed upright, the KHP report states.

Bates and passengers Mercedes Bates, 19, Novi, Mich., and Robert Bates, 29, Fruita, Colo., were then transported to Goodland Regional Medical Center.

Rhonda Bates was later airlifted to a hospital in Denver for additional care.

All three were wearing their seat belts.