MIDDLESBORO — After the successful recovery of Paul Slusher’s body in the Cumberland River on Thursday, and continual search efforts for missing Middlesboro resident Katherine Heck, law enforcement, emergency responders and members of the Bell County Rescue Squad thought they’d finally earned a little rest Friday night. But a three vehicle accident along U.S. Highway 25E in front of Krogers in Middlesboro called them all to the scene of the crash.

On Friday, Feb. 6 at approximately 9:37 p.m., Middlesboro Police received a call of a three vehicle collision involving injuries on 25E.

According to Middlesboro Police Department, a 2002 Chevrolet Impala driven by Hulen resident 53-year-old Kelly Norris and carrying an unidentified passenger, was making a left turn onto U.S. 25E from Kroger’s parking lot.

At the same time 18-year-old Eric Baker of Middlesboro and his two unidentified passengers were traveling south on 25E in a 2005 Dodge Ram Dually pick-up truck. Baker crashed into the rear driver’s side of Norris’ Impala. His Dodge pick-up continued spinning southbound into the median of 25E, where it also struck a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by 39-year-old Arthur Sanders of Arjay and his three unidentified passengers.

Norris — who drove the Impala that sustained the greatest amount of damage during the crash — had to be removed by members of the Bell County Rescue Squad from his vehicle. Members of the squad said that Norris’ driver’s side door was completely jammed, preventing his exit from the vehicle.

Once freed, Norris was transported by the Middlesboro Ambulance Service to Middlesboro Appalachian Regional Hospital (MARH). He was said to have suffered severe head trauma and a broken femur, among other injuries. Shortly after his arrival at MARH, Norris was flown to the University of Tennessee Medical Center via Air Evac Lifeteam. At last check, he was still listed in critical condition at UT.

Norris’ unidentified passenger was also transported to MARH with minor injuries but was treated and released.

The collision is under a continued investigation by Officer Kenny Vanover of the MPD.

Sarah Miracle is a staff writer for the Daily News. She can be reached via e-mail at smiracle@middlesborodailynews.com.