Troopers rescue three elderly passengers after car crashes into ditch

UPDATE 3:15 pm: According to the traffic crash report, the crash happened when the Mercury Grand Marquis traveled off the right side of the road and struck the ground. The car continued to travel and crossed Ponderosa Street then struck a rock embankment. The car became airborne, traveled across a creek in the air and struck the creek embankment on the opposite side and came to a rest in the creek.

Troopers said the Mercury was totaled and the driver, Pege Maasen, suffered minor injuries.

The passengers, who were both in their 80’s, suffered moderate injuries.

All three occupants were taken to University Hospital.

UPDATE 1:35 pm: The driver told troopers that she did not remember what happened.

Troopers said the driver thinks the crash was caused by the accelerator getting stuck.

ORIGINAL STORY: Emergency crews responded to a crash on Highway 63 and Discovery Parkway on Thursday afternoon.

According to public dispatch, more than nine units responded to the scene.

Troopers said the car ran off the roadway and into a ditch with three elderly passengers inside.

Officers said the car had to be stabilized in order to rescue the passengers.

According to the Boone County Joint Communications, officials are asking drivers to avoid the area.

Stay with this story for the latest information.