Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating the first major injury accident of the new year that occurred early on the morning of New Year’s Day. The accident occurred Thursday at approximately 2:38 a.m. just east of Great Bend.
According to a BCSO news release, a white 2005 Ford F-150 pickup driven by David F Velasco, 24 of Great Bend, was eastbound on NE Third Road.  Investigation indicates Velasco was operating the vehicle too fast for road conditions when he failed to negotiate a curve at the intersection of NE 27 Avenue and NE Third Road. The vehicle went off the roadway and struck a tree. 
Velasco was injured in the accident and later transported to a Wichita area hospital.
Three other passengers in the vehicle were treated at Great Bend Regional Hospital for less severe injuries. Injured in the accident were Jordan L. Haney, 21 of Great Bend, Ryan A. Ward, 24 of Ellinwood Kansas and Howard D. Johnson, 25 also of Great Bend.
The accident is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and charges may be pending, the release said.