Authorities responded to the scene of a scary two-car crash on Highway 56 last Saturday evening, where two victims had to be airlifted to the hospital. One victim had to be extricated from the vehicle.

According to Trooper Rory Comardelle of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, at around 7:02 p.m., 30-year-old Victoria Loudermilk of Cookeville was driving south on Highway 56 (Cookeville Highway) near Craft Center Drive, in a 2002 GMC Yukon SUV, when she crossed the center line and struck a northbound 2013 Honda Odyssey Mini-Van driven by 70-year-old Michael Shaefer of Munford, Tennessee. The collision occurred at an angle, left front corner to left front corner.

Members of the DeKalb County Fire Department’s Extrication and Rescue Team responded to the scene, along with DeKalb EMS, deputies with the DeKalb Sheriff’s Department, and THP. The Putnam County Rescue Squad also responded after finishing a call in Silver Point. Patients had to be extricated from each vehicle.

Loudermilk and Shaefer were seriously injured and were airlifted to Vanderbilt Medical Center by Lifeflight. A passenger in the Shaefer vehicle, 70-year-old Marjorie Shaefer, was not injured in the crash, but passengers with Loudermilk, 56-year-old Teresa Carey of Bean Station, TN, and 66-year-old Janie Marshall of Morristown, TN, suffered minor injuries.