According to investigating North Carolina Highway Patrol Trooper J.A. Melvin, Durren, 53, of Roxboro was traveling westbound when his vehicle crossed the centerline and struck an eastbound vehicle driven by Overton, 48, of Roxboro.

A third vehicle avoided the collision, damaging roadside mailboxes in the process, according to Trooper Melvin.

Durren was cited for driving left of center.

Overton and Durren were each taken from the scene via medical helicopters to area hospitals.

The accident occurred at 3:30 p.m. Friday on U.S. 158, approximately seven miles west of Oxford.

Durren was taken to Duke University Medical Center, and Overton was transported to UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.

Overton remained hospitalized Tuesday afternoon. Among his injuries are reportedly several broken bones in one of his legs and broken ribs.

Durren, who is a biotechnology and laboratory technology instructor at PCC remained hospitalized Tuesday. He reportedly suffered damaged vertebrae in his upper back, along with hip and lung injuries.

Roxboro City Manager Jon Barlow said Tuesday that, while Overton will certainly be missed while he is recuperating from the accident, his absence should not hinder budget preparations for fiscal 2008-09.

“No one can replace Jimmy,” Barlow said. “He is one of a kind. However, I think we will be able to keep things going with everyone pitching in.

“Fortunately, all of the budget stuff, including the latest changes, were 95 percent in place. We finished making the other changes this morning. So far, we have been able to find everything we need as far as financial data.

“I should add that I haven’t had to ask anyone to do anything,” Barlow continued. “Our staff has just stepped in to do everything they can to help.”