Driver Eddie Chatman was trapped inside this turned over 18 wheeler.
Logging Truck Rollover, Driver Flown Out, MOSCOW, May 29, 2012 - Shortly before 10 am on May 29, 2012, a logging truck driven by Eddie Chatman, 26, of Livingston, was east-bound on FM-350 North just a few miles west of US-59. Chatman went into a curve apparently too fast and lost control of his rig. The truck left the road to the left and rolled losing its load. Chatman was trapped inside. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department, Corrigan Police Department, and Troopers Darwon Evans and Ramey Bass. Firemen used the jaws-of-life to free Chatman who was flown out via medical helicopter. In an odd turn to this story, there was a baby deer trapped in the cab of Chatman's rig. Firemen continued to work until the yearling was freed. The deer had no broken bones and appeared to be frightened, but uninjured. Additionally, diesel fuel had spilled all over the youngster. Game Warden David Johnson was dispatched. The deer received a warm soapy bath and was turned over to a licensed rehabilitator and is being cared for. Chatman's rig was recovered by Riley Wrecker Service and will be stored in Corrigan.
WARNING: The images below show scenes from a violent truck accident. If this offends you in any way, DO NOT scroll down this page.
Trooper Ramey Bass (left) assisted Trooper Darwon Evans in the investigation. Evans is the investigating officer.
Emergency personnel freed Chatman from the wreckage.
Chatman was loaded onto an ambulance and driven to a landing zone a short distance away on 350 North.
A first on PolkCountyToday.com: Deer trapped in vehicle. This yearling was trapped in the rig with Chatman, was very frightened but uninjured.
Onalaska Volunteer Fireman, David Schomer, helped free the frightened animal. Schomer has experience in working with animals. The deer was drenched in diesel fuel.
With the discovery of a deer in the cab, Game Warden David Johnson was summoned. Johnson ensured that the deer was properly bathed to remove all diesel, and turned over to a licensed rehabilitator to be cared for.
In the meantime: Eddie Chatman was loaded onto a PHi Air Medical Helicopter and flown to Hermann Hospital in Houston.
PHi Air Medical lifts off for Houston.
Chatman's rig was recovered by James Riley Wrecker Service and will be stored in Corrigan.
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