Two fatal head-on collisions 7 minutes apart

Two people were killed in separate head-on collisions at around 5:15 Saturday evening -- one near Topaz Ranch Estates, one near Mason.

In the first collision, two BMWs collided on State Route 208 near Topaz Ranch Road, killing one person and seriously injuring another, according to Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper James Farmer Jr.

At 5:12 p.m., Lynette Ramsey, 39, of Gardnerville, was driving a silver BMW sedan west on 208 when she veered into the path of a green BMW, according to Farmer. In that car was Donna Murphy, 49, of Wellington.

Ramsey was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Murphy was extricated from her vehicle and transported to Washoe Medical Center by a Cal-Star helicopter ambulance.

Seven minutes after the accident near Topaz, a head-on collision occurred south of Yerington, killing one person and seriously injuring two.

At 5:19 p.m., a red Buick sedan traveling south on State Route 339 near Mason drifted into the northbound lane and struck a red Ford van head on, according to Farmer.

The right front passenger of the van was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected when the van overturned. Both drivers were extricated by emergency crews.

The California Highway Patrol has not yet released any names in the accident, pending notification of next of kin.

The driver of the Buick was transported to Washoe Medical Center by Care Flight and remains in critical condition. The driver of the van was taken to South Lyon Medical Center.

Alcohol does not appear to have been a factor in either accident, Farmer said. Investigations are ongoing.