TWO DIE IN CRASH NEAR ESSEX

ESSEX -- Two people were killed in an auto accident four miles east of Essex.

Hazel M. Wilhite, 52, of Kansas City and a passenger in her car, June Welborn, 75, of Bloomfield, were killed in the accident at 2:25 p.m. Friday, the Missouri Highway Patrol reports.

Wilhite was driving west on Route 114 at Route 153 in Stoddard County when she made a left turn into the path of an eastbound car driven by Cynthia L. Hampton, 32, of Essex.

Hampton was taken to Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau where she was listed as stable and in fair condition Friday night.

Rainey Funeral Home in Dexter is handling funeral arrangements.