Two wrecks, two fatalities in county

Butler County Sheriff officers and rescue personnel responded to two separate fatality accidents on county roads late Thursday night and early Friday morning.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. south of Augusta near Highway 77 and SW 120th, a northbound 2002 Ford Explorer left the roadway, rolled 2 1/2 times and came to rest on it's top. The driver of the vehicle, Charles White, 38, of Douglass, was ejected. He was not wearing a seat belt.

Also in the vehicle were two small children, ages 2 and 3, believed to be White's children.

A passing motorist came upon the accident scene and found the children standing beside Mr. White, who was pronounced at the scene. The children were transported in fair condition via Butler County EMS to an area hospital.

Sheriff Kelly Herzet stated this morning, "All drivers need to wear their seatbelts and remember to buckle their children in."

Herzet advised that there were no witnesses to the accident and the cause is unknown at this time.

Officers and emergency personnel answered another call at 1:37 a.m. in the area of Highway 254 and Meadowlark. A passer-by discovered a white 1998 Honda Accord in the westbound lane of traffic and and was obviously damaged.

Austin Taylor, 18, Valley Center, was found deceased and lying in the roadway.

Indications are that the vehicle left the road, traveled west in the north ditch for approximately 1/4 mile, and when the driver attempted to maneuver the car back onto the roadway, it rolled and he was ejected.

There were no witnesses to the accident.

Sheriff Herzet said, "Both drivers in these accidents were ejected and dead at the scene. Neither were wearing seat belts. We don't know the causes. Did they fall asleep? Were they distracted? Maybe it was deer? Everyone should be aware that a lot of deer are moving now and cause hazards for drivers."