Head On Collision Hospitalizes 4 (2 flown to Houston), SODA, April 16, 2016 - At approximately 9:10 pm on April 16, 2016, a black 2013 Ford Explorer, driven by Lauro Torres, 22, of Livingston, was west-bound on US-190 East. Torres crossed into the east-bound lane. He was preparing to turn left onto Richardson Road, but failed to yield to a red 2010 Ford Ranger pickup driven by Eric Howland, 33, of Splendora. The two vehicles collided head on. The impact spun Torres' vehicle around facing east as it came to rest in the east bound lane. Howland's vehicle also came to rest in the east-bound lane facing south. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Indian Springs and Livingston Volunteer Fire Departments, Corporal Adam Norris and Deputy Ronald Bogany with the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Trooper Shawn Droddy with the Texas Highway Patrol. Torres' female passenger and Howland's female passenger were both transported by ambulance to a landing zone where a Life Flight helicopter landed and flew both to Hermann Hospital in Houston. Torres and Howland were both transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries. All traffic on 190 was blocked during investigation and cleanup. Torres is likely facing a citation for failure to yield right of way while attempting a left turn. A rollback wrecker from Harrison Body Shop recovered Torres' vehicle and it will be stored in Livingston. Howland's vehicle was recovered by a rollback wrecker from Fawbush Body Shop and will be stored in Goodrich.
22 year old Lauro Torres was driving this 2013 Ford Explorer when he allegedly failed to yield, causing a collision with another vehicle.
Eric Howland was driving this 2010 Ford Ranger.
Torres' passenger was loaded into an ambulance and driven to a nearby landing zone.
The female passenger from both vehicles were loaded into a Life Flight helicopter that landed in the parking lot of Soda Baptist Church.
Cooper the fire dog was on hand to help keep things under control.
Houdini assisted with towing duties.
Mixi, Molly, and Heidi were on duty for PolkCountyToday.com.
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