Children hurt in accident near Fallon

Two children hurt in a vehicle accident Monday morning on the Reno Highway at Sheckler Cut-Off were airlifted to a Reno hospital, where they are expected to recover, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.

Trooper Bob Steele said a 15-month-old girl and a 6-year-old boy were taken by ambulance to Banner Churchill Community Hospital, where they were stabilized before being taken by helicopter to Washoe Medical Center in Reno.

"They were the only victims in the accident. An officer at the hospital told me an hour ago the kids are going to be OK," Steele said Monday afternoon.

According to witnesses interviewed by the NHP, a large commercial truck was turning south onto Sheckler Cut-Off from eastbound Highway 50. The size of the vehicle may have blocked the sight of eastbound traffic from the driver of a Toyota SUV, the NHP said.

A 1999 Mazda pickup driven by James R. Erickson, 74, of Carson City, was passing the truck as the SUV was turning left.

The SUV was being driven by Felix Ray Sickler, 27, of Indian Springs. Kaydence Lynn Sickler, 15 months, and Devon Ray Sickler, 6, were riding in the Toyota. They were both properly restrained in child safety seats, the NHP said.

Their mother, 26-year-old Kateri Renee Rhynard, of Indian Springs, sustained minor injuries.

Both male drivers were also wearing seat belts and suffered minor injuries.

Witnesses to the accident are asked to call (775) 688-2500, ext. 2.