Teens hurt after car hits tree near Franklin

Four teens were hurt after a car passing another vehicle went off the wet road southwest of Franklin and hit a tree.

None of the injuries were life threatening, and three of the teens were treated at a hospital and released.

Christopher Keel, 19, of Indianapolis, was driving north on Airport Road near Nineveh Road at about 5:10 p.m. Monday. He was in a no-passing zone and tried to pass the vehicle in front of him. Keel was in the middle of passing the vehicle when he saw another vehicle headed south on Airport Road. He swerved to avoid a crash, went off the road and hit a tree, a Johnson County Sheriff’s Office report said.

Five passengers were in Keel’s car when he crashed.

Keel and two passengers, ages 14 and 15, were treated at Johnson Memorial Hospital, the report and hospital spokesman Bill Oakes said.

Another 14-year-old passenger complained of abdominal pain from the accident, while a 17-year-old passenger was not treated for injuries, the report said. A 16-year-old passenger left the scene before police arrived, Johnson County Sheriff Doug Cox said.

Keel was cited for improper passing, not having proof of insurance and a seat-belt violation. The speed limit in the area is 45 mph, and Keel was warned about his speed, the report said.