AHOSKIE – A leisurely ride home from church took a tragic turn here Sunday.

Three people were injured during a two-vehicle accident at Frazier’s Crossroads n the intersection of NC 561 and RP 1108 (Union Road) n that occurred shortly past 12 noon.

William “Billy” Rose and his wife Mona Rose were both airlifted to Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. There, a hospital spokesperson said both were listed in fair condition.

The driver of the other vehicle, Tammie Ballard Stephen, was transported by Hertford County EMS to Roanoke-Chowan Hospital. Her condition is unknown as of deadline for today’s edition.

According to North Carolina State Highway Patrol Trooper S.A. McFarland, he was informed by an eyewitness to the accident that Mr. Rose brought his Mazda van, traveling south, to a complete stop at the stop sign on Union Road, but failed to yield the right-of-way to Stephen’s Jeep which was traveling west on NC 561.

It appeared that Stephen attempted to swerve to avoid the accident, but her vehicle made impact with the van, striking it in the driver’s side and causing the Mazda to flip on its side in the eastbound lane of NC 561.

Due to a heavy volume of emergency vehicles at the accident scene, both lanes of NC 561 were closed for nearly two hours.

Meanwhile, emergency responders worked feverishly to extract Mr. and Mrs. Rose, both trapped inside their vehicle. Ahoskie Police, Ahoskie Fire (both departments, town and rural) and Hertford County EMS responded to the scene.

“We truly appreciate the assistance from all those who responded to this accident,” Sgt. Todd Lane of the NC Highway Patrol said. “Time was of the essence in extracting the victims from the overturned vehicle and those responsible in performing that task did so in an expedient, safe and professional manner.”

Sgt. Lane stressed that the emergency response system used in Hertford County worked well in this case.

“It was a great team effort by all, including the quick response time from Greenville by two EastCare helicopters,” Lane added.

Charges are pending in the accident.