AMHERST TWP. — Two Ashland County residents were hurt — one seriously — in an accident yesterday evening on Middle Ridge Road.

The 2008 Pontiac G6 driven by Wilfredo Osorio Jr., 26, of Sullivan was westbound on Middle Ridge when it went off the left side of the road, sheered a utility pole in half and struck a tree, according to the State Highway Patrol. Osorio was taken to Amherst Hospital with injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening.

His passenger, Rachel Frahm, 26, also of Sullivan, sustained serious injuries and was nonresponsive at the scene. She was also taken to Amherst Hospital and was later LifeFlighted to MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. She is in critical condition this morning.

According to the patrol, Osorio was not wearing a seat belt, and it is unknown whether Frahm was. The patrol suspects alcohol played a role in the crash.