The 18 wheeler failed to yield right-of-way to an oncoming vehicle.
18 Wheeler Fails to Yield for SUV, 1 Flown to Houston, GOODRICH, January 7, 2011 - At approximately 1:45 am on January 7, 2011, a black 2001 Mitsubishi Montero driven by Joe Lewis, 55, of Lufkin, was north-bound on US-59 in Goodrich when an 18 wheeler carrying crushed cars and driven by Bobby Lynn Atwood, 53, of Conroe pulled out of the parking lot of Polk Pick It Up failing to yield right-of-way to Lewis. Lewis' vehicle slammed into the rear wheels on Atwood's trailer. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescue Unite, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and DPS Trooper Kevin Burman. Firemen used the Jaws-of-Life to remove Lewis from his vehicle. Lewis was treated at the scene by EMS Personnel before being transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital where a waiting Life Flight helicopter flew him to Hermann Hospital in Houston with serious injuries. Both north-bound lanes of 59 were blocked during investigation and cleanup. Bobby Atwood was cited for failure to yield right-of-way from a private drive. A rollback wrecker from Harwood Wrecker Service recovered Joe Lewis' vehicle and it will be stored in Livingston. Atwood's vehicle was recovered by a heavy duty wrecker from Riley Wrecker Service and it will be stored in Corrigan. The scene was cleared by 7 am.
Special thank you: Stash Anderson, Ken from Ken's Towing and D.E. and B.D.
This 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport caught fire after slamming into the rear wheels of the 18 wheeler. Firemen were able to get the flames extinguished quickly. The driver (Joe Lewis of Lufkin) was trapped.
Livingston Volunteer Firemen were able to get Lewis out using the jaws-of-life.
Trooper Kevin Burman with the Texas Highway Patrol.
Representatives from the Texas Department of Transportation assisted in traffic control.
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