Tribune staff reports

A head-on collision in Albert Lea Monday sent two women to the Albert Lea Medical Center, one with extensive injuries.

Deborah Boettcher, 52, of Walters, and Judy Nielsen, age 44, of 1704 Sunset St., were listed by the Albert Lea Police Department as the drivers of vehicles involved in the collision just before 8 a.m. on North Bridge Avenue near the corner of Hills Lane. Both women were injured and taken to the Albert Lea Medical Center by ambulance.

The police report said driver’s side air bags in both cars deployed. The Albert Lea Fire Department used the &uot;Jaws of Life&uot; device to help extract the vehicle drivers.

Bridge Avenue was closed for a short time until the two vehicles could be removed by Allen’s Tow’ N Travel.

A report by an Albert Lea Medical Center spokeswoman said today that Boettcher was treated and released, and that Nielsen is listed in serious condition.