Drivers taken to hospital after mid-morning wreck

Complications from a man’s medical condition caused a two-vehicle collision at 9:39 a.m. Thursday at the intersection of Mesquite and South Smoketree avenues. The wreck resulted in both drivers being transported to the hospital by River Medical ambulance service.

William Raper, 54, of Lake Havasu City, was traveling westbound in his gray 2005 Chevy pickup on Mesquite Avenue when he “swerved and missed a vehicle in front of him, continued on (through the four-way stop intersection) and plowed into a vehicle stopped in the (eastbound) lane closest to the stop sign,” said Senior Officer Clint Wilcox of Lake Havasu City Police Department.

Shirley Strong, 62, of Havasu Heights, was stopped at the intersection in her white 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup when she was struck. She was transported to Havasu Regional Medical Center to be treated for minor injuries.

The department’s Sgt. Keith Huskisson, also on scene, said the accident was possibly linked to a medical emergency or condition.

“Witnesses say he was slumped over when it happened,” Huskisson said.

Lake Havasu City Fire Department Battalion Chief Mike Quijada responded along with Engine No. 5 and Truck No. 1. Four police patrol units responded to provide traffic control and initiate accident investigations. Two River Medical ambulances were required on scene to accommodate the injured drivers.

Steve’s Automotive & Towing arrived later on scene to tow the vehicles from the intersection.

Senior Officer Wilcox said the nature of Raper’s medical condition was still unconfirmed Thursday afternoon.

You may contact the reporter at jhanson@havasunews.com.

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