A two-vehicle accident that occurred last Wednesday afternoon, at the intersection of OK-100 and Welling Road, 13.3 miles south of Tahlequah, has reportedly left a local man with severe injuries.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Trooper Cody Cox #718 of the Cherokee County detachment of Troop C reported Joshua Petitt, 35, of Vian, was driving a 2010 Hyundai eastbound on OK-100, along with his passenger, Taylor Reaves, 21, also of Vian.

Cox said a 2011 Infiniti, driven by 64-year-old Steven Cross of Welling, was also raveling eastbound when he came to a stop, intending to make a southbound turn onto Welling Road.

The trooper reported Petitt then allegedly failed to maintain a safe following distance and collided with the rear of Cross’s vehicle.

Petitt sustained head and trunk internal injuries and was transported by Cherokee Nation EMS to Hastings Hospital in Tahlequah, where he was admitted in stable condition.

Reaves was transported to Northeastern Health Systems in Tahlequah, where she was treated and subsequently released.

Fortunately, Cross escaped the accident without any reported injuries.

It was noted that Petitt was not wearing a seatbelt but Reaves was.

Trooper Cox was also assisted by Trooper Aaron Wall #833 of Troop C, Trooper Woody Perry #349 of Troop W, and the Keys Fire Department.