Two injured in Thursday afternoon on Business Loop 44 near Mt. Vernon

Two people were seriously injured in a one vehicle accident on Business Loop 44 a half mile west of Mt. Vernon around 4:30 Thursday afternoon.

The Highway Patrol says a car driven 46-year-old Michael J. Lampe of Mt. Vernon went out of control, left the roadway and smashed into a group of trees.

Lampe was seriously injured as was his passenger, 44-year-old Jennifer Lampe of Mt. Vernon.

She was taken by air to Cox South Hospital in Springfield.

He was taken by ambulance to Cox South.