Alcohol is a suspected factor in a two-vehicle accident Sept. 6 in Franklin township that sent three people to the hospital.

According to the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office in Viroqua, at approximately 5:24 p.m., a vehicle operated by Kory Roberts, 28, Stueben, was northbound on Hwy. 27, when he attempted to turn left onto Hwy. 82 and collided with a southbound vehicle on Hwy. 27, operated by Darwin Melcher, 64, Decorah, Iowa.

Roberts sustained a minor leg injury and was treated and released at Vernon Memorial Healthcare in Viroqua. A passenger in Roberts’ vehicle, Shawn Lenzendorf, 31, Gays Mills, was transported to Vernon Memorial Healthcare by private vehicle. Melcher was transported to Gundersen Health System in La Crosse by Tri-State Ambulance.

Assisting at the scene were the Viroqua Fire Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

Vernon County Chief Deputy Nathan Campbell said alcohol use by Roberts is suspected as a factor in the crash.

All parties were wearing seat belts.

The incident remains under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the State Patrol.