A tragic scene on US-59 South a short distance north of Livingston as first call cars transport 2 accident victims.
Minivan / 18 Wheeler Accident Takes 2 Lives, LIVINGSTON, February 24, 2015 - At approximately 5:40 am on February 24, 2015, a Peterbilt logging truck was south-bound on 59 and allegedly had mechanical problems and was broke down. The rig was in the right-hand lane a short distance north of Livingston (by Timberwood Nursing Home). The driver, Clifton Wyatt, Sr. 77, of Livingston, had exited his truck and was allegedly trying to direct traffic away from his truck with a flash light. A green 2012 Dodge minivan was south-bound and apparently failed to see the logging truck and slammed directly into the overhanging logs at the rear of the rig. Multiple logs impaled the minivan from one end of the minivan to the other end. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescue Unit, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and Troopers with the Texas Highway Patrol including Corporal Ramey Bass, Sergeant Sam Lattner, Darwon Evans, Chris Cain, David Morris, and Eric Malone. Sadly, the ambulance personnel were not needed as both the driver (Susie Anna Granger, 45, of Lufkin) and her passenger (Shuna Latrice Carter, 41, of Nacogdoches) were killed on impact. Clifton Wyatt was physically okay. Reprentatives from TxDot were dispatched and rerouted all south-bound traffic to the shoulder of the north-bound lanes of 59 as the accident was being investigated and cleared. Carter's vehicle was a company vehicle with East Texas Support Services Medical Transportation. Justice of the Peace, Larry Whitworth performed an inquest at the scene. Two first-call cars from Cochran Funeral Home transported both accident victims from the scene. Both the 18 wheeler and the minivan were recovered by Riley Wrecker Service and will be stored in Corrigan. The accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol.
WARNING: The images below show scenes from a violent automobile accident. While there is no blood visible, some may find the images disturbing. If this offends you in any way, DO NOT scroll down this page.
Multiple logs impaled the 2012 Dodge Minivan.
Corporal Ramey Bass (kneeling) gets assistance from Deputy Terry Valka. Bass is the lead investigator.
The logging truck was being driven by 77 year old Clifton Wyatt, of Livington.
Sergeant Sam Lattner (pictured) and a host of other troopers assisted in the investigation.
Justice of the Peace, Larry Whitworth performed an inquest at the scene.
Both vehicles were recovered by Riley Wrecker Service.
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