Two women injured in evening collision

Two women were injured late Tuesday when their SUV went off Mount Spokane Park Drive and struck an embankment. Linda R. Nelson, 27, of Spokane, was westbound in a 1997 Ford Explorer on the highway when she lost control on a curve to the right and went off the roadway, the Washington State Patrol said. The accident occurred seven miles northeast of U.S. Highway 2 about 10:30 p.m. A passenger, Cheryl L. Poznikoff, 30, of Rathdrum, was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. Nelson also was not wearing a seat belt, troopers said. Both women were taken to Providence Holy Family Hospital for treatment and later released. The cause of the accident was under investigation. Troopers said alcohol or drugs may have been involved and that charges are pending against the driver.