THOMAS COUNTY — Seven people were injured in an accident just after 2p.m. Tuesday in Thomas County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2004 Ford Explorer driven by Any Garcia, 20, Charlotte, NC., was eastbound on Interstate 70 five miles east of the Kansas 25 Junction.

The driver swerved to avoid a tire tread in the roadway. The SUV entered the median and the driver lost control. The SUV re-entered the east bound lanes, overturned and rolled into the south ditch.

Garcia and a passenger Jissele Garcia, 11, Charlotte, NC., were transported to the hospital in Colby.

Passengers Eliazin Bahena Garcia, 23, Concord, NC., and Betuel Garcia, 44, Charlotte, NC,. were transported to a hospital in Wichita.

Passengers Guadalupe Garcia, 43, and Theresa Popaca, (age not reported), both of Charlotte, NC., were transported to Swedish Medical Center in Denver.

Passenger Rey Mendiola, 46, Charlotte, NC., was transported to St. Anthony Hospital in Denver.

The driver and passenger Eliazin Bahena Garcia were the only occupants wearing seat belts, according to the KHP.