The 2001 Dodge broadsided the overturned car when the car failed to yield right-of-way to the oncoming truck.
Fatal Accident on FM-1988, LIVINGSTON, July 20, 2010 - At approximately 5:20 pm on July 20, 2010 a fatal accident occurred on FM-1988 West at FM-3126 near Lake Livingston State Park. The accident occurred when a white 2001 Dodge 3500 driven by Earl Harrell, 63, of Goodrich, was west-bound on FM-1988. The collision occurred when a black 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix driven by Avelina Martinez Ruiz, 38, of Livingston, pulled out in front of Harrell from FM-3126. Harrell swerved left to avoid Ruiz but still slammed broad side into the driver's side door. Both vehicles slid off the road. Ruiz's vehicle came to rest on its side facing west, while Harrell's vehicle came to rest upright facing east. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescue Unit, and a host of Troopers including Trooper Chris Stanbery and Sergeant Nita Bowen. Ruiz was trapped in her vehicle as the volunteer firemen used the jaws-of-life to eventually get her out. EMS personnel immediately began CPR and loaded Ruiz onto an ambulance where she died enroute to Livingston Memorial Hospital. Earl Harrell was physically okay. Traffic was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. Both parties had insurance. As standard procedures with fatal accidents, the Troopers completely diagramed, measured, and marked the entire accident scene as they began the process of reconstructing the events that transpired. The scene was cleared by 7:15 pm.
Special thank you: Assistant Editor, Willie A. Openshaw, Assignment Editor, Stash Anderson
The 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix was driven by Avelina Martinez Ruiz of Livingston.
Emergency Personnel work quickly as they begin the process of freeing Ruiz from her vehicle.
Trooper Chris Stanbery with the Texas Highway Patrol is the investigating Officer.
Vehicle Recovery Specialist Jim Harwood turns Ruiz's vehicle upright.
The interior Ruiz's vehicle was a picture of total destruction.
A cohesive unit: Troopers work together in gathering evidence and reconstructing the accident.
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