Two from Jackson, three from Charleston injured in Mississippi County crash

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- A man and woman from Jackson and three people from Charleston were injured Saturday in a crash on Highway 77, five miles west of Charleston, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Lana M. Mitchell, 45, and Ronald K. Mitchell, 48, were injured when their 2007 Nissan, driven by Ronald Mitchell, struck a 2001 Dodge carrying three Charleston residents head-on as each vehicle crossed the center line at 11:35 a.m., the highway patrol reported. The patrol classified Lana and Ronald Mitchell's injuries as serious.

The other vehicle was driven by 36-year-old Claudette Evans of Charleston. Monica T. Evans, 11, and Mario T. Evans, 29, also of Charleston, were passengers. The patrol reported Mario and Claudette Evans received serious injuries in the crash, and Monica Evans received moderate injuries.

Lana and Ronald Mitchell and Mario and Monica Evans were taken by ambulance to Saint Francis Medical Center. Claudette Evans was taken to Saint Francis Medical Center by helicopter.