AeroMed lifts off at the scene of an accident in Pierson Township Monday. Post photo by J. Reed

The Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a two-vehicle accident that occurred Monday morning at W. Kendaville Road (104th) and N. West County Line Road (Newcosta) in Pierson Township.

According to Deputy Randy Hansen, a Montcalm County Rescue Unit was traveling north on West County Line Road about 11:13 a.m. Monday, enroute to another accident, with lights and siren activated, when it broadsided a Chevy Impala traveling east on Kendaville Road.

Police said a preliminary report indicates that the driver of the rescue unit, Richard Wayne Pierce, 70, of Pierson, failed to stop at the stop sign.

The driver of the car, Max Leroy Young, 71, of Lakeview, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted by AeroMed to Butterworth hospital. He is listed in serious condition. His passenger, Shirley Marie Narloch, 61, also of Lakeview, was killed instantly in the crash.

The driver of the rescue unit was taken by ambulance to a Grand Rapids Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Assisting Sand Lake Fire and Rescue at the scene was Cedar Springs Fire and Rescue, with their Jaws of Life. Also assisting at the scene was the Kent County Sheriff’s Office traffic crash unit, LIFE EMS from Newaygo County, and the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office.

The Montcalm County Prosecutor’s Office will review the report to determine if criminal charges will be filed. The crash remains under investigation.

The accident that the rescue worker was on his way to was a double fatality on West County Line Road and M-82 in Howard City.