Porter Woman Succumbs to Injuries from Accident, SODA, May 29, 2021 - Shortly after 10 pm on May 28, 2021, the driver of a white 1999 GMC Savana full size van was east-bound on US-190 East. The driver, Jim Bob Mitchell, 47, of Groveton, decided to execute a U-turn right after passing Nettles Cemetery Road. When Mitchell attempted the turn, he failed to notice coming up from behind his vehicle, a white, east-bound 2006 Dodge Durango driven by Melisa Salinas, 48, of Livingston. The Durango broadsided the Mitchell's vehicle on the driver's side. Both vehicles slid across the west-bound lanes and came to rest on the shoulder of the west-bound side of 190. Allegiance 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 Trooper Kevin Burman with the Texas Highway Patrol. Mitchell's passenger, Connie Darlene Williams, 53, of Porter, was ejected (no seatbelt) and sustained major injuries. EMS personnel immediately began CPR on Williams. Williams was rushed to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Justice of the Peace, Sarah Rasberry performed an inquest. Mitchell and Salinas were also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Traffic on 190 was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. Salinas' vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. Mitchell's vehicle was recovered by Dan's Towing (for Ken's Towing) and will also be stored at Harrison Body Shop. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol.
WARNING: The images and video below show scenes from a violent automobile accident, No blood is visible, however, if pictures of this nature offend you in any way, DO NOT scroll down this page.
The van (right) was east-bound on 190 East. The driver, 47 year old Jim Bob Mitchell, of Groveton, decided to execute a sudden U-turn and failed to notice the Dodge Durango (driven by 48 year old Melisa Salinas, of Livingston) coming up behind him.
Interior of Salinas' 2006 Dodge Durango.
Interior of Mitchell's 1999 GMC Van.
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