An Ashe County Transportation Authority van overturned last week on East Whenlin Ridge Road near Lansing sending three to the hospital for observation.

The accident occurred at approximately 6 p.m. at which time an ACTA driver was attempting to avoid another vehicle while rounding a curve, according to the agency’s Director Sue Thompson.

When the ACTA driver saw the approaching vehicle, he steered toward the far shoulder of the road to avoid the oncoming vehicle at which point the bank collapsed and the van slowly dropped off the shoulder of the road and fell slowly onto its side, Thompson said. The driver of the oncoming car avoided any type of collision, she said.

A woman and her two children were taken to Ashe Memorial Hospital for observation but did not sustain any injuries. The driver of the ACTA van reported no injuries either.

Thompson said this is the worst accident since she has been director.

“In my 11 and half year tenure as director, this is the first time an accident of this magnitude has occurred,” Thompson said. “Although this is an unfortunate event, we are thankful that no one was seriously injured.”