Three hurt in Highway 50 collision

Three people were injured in a Monday evening accident on Highway 50 East.

According to the Nevada Highway Patrol, a Mustang driven by a 20-year-old Carson City man was turning north in the eastbound turning lane, when it crossed into the path of a westbound Toyota van driven by a 39-year-old Carson City man.

Witnesses said prior to the accident, the driver of the Mustang and his 24-year-old passenger were "gawking" at a carful of girls in the lane next to them.

Mark Sattler, 19, of Reno, was heading to the ball field on Centennial Drive when he witnessed the accident.

Sattler said he watched in horror as the Mustang pulled into the path of the van.

"It was pretty violent. I thought for sure they would be worse off than they were," he said, explaining with the impact, the rear tires of the Mustang left the roadway and the vehicle spun 180 degrees before coming to a stop in the opposite direction. He said he immediately pulled into the center lane to help the injured.

Another witness who stopped along with Sattler was a Washoe Medical Center nurse on her way home to Dayton.

"I got to them seconds after the collision," said Nancy Madison, also a volunteer medic with the Dayton Volunteer Fire Department.

Madison said she began to assess the victims' injuries. The van driver was complaining of chest pains and the passenger in the Mustang had a head injury.

She said the toughest part was convincing the Mustang driver to stay in the car.

"He kept wanting to get out and I kept saying, 'Do not move. Wait until I get more help here.' I think with my stethoscope around

my neck he listened to me," she said, still in her nursing uniform from her day shift at the hospital.

Madison said initially she couldn't believe what she was seeing happen in front of her eyes, then her training kicked in.

"I just did what I know to do," she said.

Sattler was happy Madison was on scene.

"I was really relieved when I found out the woman in front of me was a nurse," he said.

The driver of the Mustang will be cited for failure to yield. Neither Mustang passenger was wearing a seat belt, according to NHP.

All three victims suffered moderate injuries.