LINDA PAYNE

A Lenoir woman is in good condition today after blacking out behind the wheel Sunday afternoon.

Master Trooper R.K. Dills said Margaret Bruner, 61, of Main Street, Lenoir, lost consciousness while traveling south on U.S. 321 in one of the newly opened passing zones at approximately 1 p.m. Dills said Bruner was on her way home from Boone when her car crossed the center lane toward oncoming traffic. He said that Bruner's front passenger was able to grab the wheel and prevent the 1993 Toyota minivan from striking another vehicle. But the car veered off the right side of the road, ran up a steep embankment and hit several trees.

Dills said the impact of the trees caused the vehicle to rotate clockwise and flip. As it rolled back into an upright position, the minivan struck another tree, and Dills said Bruner was entrapped in the vehicle.

Patterson Fire Chief Reggie Ford said his crews used normal spinal protocol to remove Bruner from the vehicle. She appeared to have facial trauma and severe head injuries, which is why Patterson and Valmead fire departments set up a landing zone at the scene on U.S. 321. Bruner was flown to Carolinas Medical Center, where she is listed in good condition.

The front passenger, who was alert, and the two minors in the back seat all were taken by Caldwell County Emergency Medical Services to Caldwell Memorial Hospital.

Dills said no charges are pending against Bruner, and he doesn't believe that speed played a factor.