PHI Air Medical lifts off from the middle of US-59 in Leggett.
Bizarre Accident on US-59, Passenger Flown Out, LEGGETT, July 30, 2010 - At approximately 7:20 pm on July 30, 2010, a red 2002 Ford F-150 driven by Dwight Miller, 51, of LaPorte, was north-bound on US-59 less than a mile south of Leggett when his passenger's side rear tire blew. Miller's vehicle left the road to the left and rolled. The vehicle came to rest upside down with the cab of the truck suspended in a sink hole that was not known to anyone before the accident. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Sergeant Christian Schanmier of the Sheriff's Office and DPS Troopers Kevin Burman, David Morris, and Corporal Sam Lattner. Miller and his 5 year old granddaughter were transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Miller's wife (Julie Miller) sustained serious injuries. EMS Personnel treated Julie Miller at the scene before transporting her to a nearby landing zone where PHI Air Medical landed and then flew her to Hermann Hospital in Houston. All Traffic on 59 was blocked during flight operations. Dwight Miller was issued citations for open container of alcoholic beverage and no insurance. A rollback wrecker from Ken's Towing recovered Miller's vehicle and it will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston. The scene was cleared by 8:45 pm.
Emergency personnel tend to passenger Julie Miller. Miller sustained serious injuries.
EMS Personnel move Julie Miller to an ambulance.
The bizarre part of this accident is the sink hole which was unbeknownst to anyone prior to the accident. The hole may have given the cab enough clearance to keep the vehicle occupants from being crushed.
PHI Air Medical descends to the middle of US-59 in south Leggett.
All traffic on both sides of US-59 was blocked during flight operations.
Julie Miller is transferred to the care of PHI Air Medical who promptly flew her to Hermann Hospital in Houston.
Dwight Miller and his grand daughter were taken to Livingston Memorial Hospital by Americare Ambulance.
(left to right) Troopers David Morris, Corporal Sam Lattner, Trooper Kevin Burman. Burman is the investigating officer.
Miller's vehicle was recovered by Ken's towing.
Courtesy is a hallmark of Texas Troopers. Corporal Sam Lattner assists in vehicle recovery.
Much of the truck's contents spilled into the sink hole. Troopers gather and examine contents in their investigation.
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