Berryville man killed in three-car accident

BERRYVILLE -- A Berryville man was killed in a three-car motor vehicle accident on Highway 221, north of Berryville, state police reported.

On Friday, Sept. 14 at approximately 2:18 p.m., a car driven by Earl T. Rowland, 72, of Berryville was traveling southbound on Arkansas HIghway 221 when he lost control of his vehicle and crossed the centerline while negotiating a right hand curve, striking the left side of a vehicle driven by Willie W. Belle, 68, of Berryville. After the impact, both vehicles continued traveling southbound striking a third vehicle, driven by Allie Hatcher, 39, of Golden, Mo., the report said.

"The rain was a contributing factor," said Capt. Lance King, troop L commander with the Arkansas State Police. "Rowland came into the curve too fast, hydroplaned and crossed into the opposite lane striking another vehicle head-on."

Rowland was pronounced dead at scene; Hatcher was taken to Mercy Hospital for serious injuries sustained from the accident; her condition is unknown at this time. Belle was uninjured. All three drivers were wearing seat belts.