Child safety seats protected the kids from major injuries.
Two Livingston Residents Life Flighted in Major 2 Vehicle Accident, LIVINGSTON, August 21, 2008 - A major 2 vehicle accident sent 4 people to the hospital (2 by life flight) early Thursday afternoon. Shortly before 12 noon on August 21, 2008, a white 2005 Toyota Camry driven by Sandra Smith of Livingston was east-bound on 190, when a 2003 Dodge Neon driven by Heidi Natali of Livingston was west-bound on 190. Natali hydro planed and slid into the east-bound lane and collided with Smith. Natali's vehicle came to a rest in the road on the east bound side while Smith's vehicle came to a rest on the right side of the road in the grass. Smith's driver's side airbag deployed. Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescue Unit was summoned to the scene to utilize the jaws of life to extract victims. DPS Troopers Sam Lattner and Donny Akers were dispatched to the scene. Also at the scene from the Polk County Sheriff's office were Captain Ricky Childers, Lieutenant Andy Lowrie, Sergeant Howard Smith, Deputy Mark Dubose, Investigator Brent Foster, and Livingston Police Officer Leon Middleton. Both lanes of traffic on the east-bound side of 190 were blocked and one lane blocked on the west-bound side as the accident was being cleared and investigated.
Slick tires are believed to have caused Natali's vehicle to hydro plane.
Natali had two small children in her car (both were in child safety seats), both were transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital by Americare Ambulance Service with non-life-threatening injuries. There was also a dog in Natali's vehicle that was killed in the accident. Animal Control Deputy Danny Freeman removed the dog from the scene. Both Natali and Smith were life-flighted to Hermann Hospital in Houston. Both drivers had insurance and all seat-belts were fastened. Smith's vehicle was towed by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison's Body Shop in Livingston while Natali's vehicle was towed by LakeView wrecker service and will be stored at LakeView Paint & Body Shop on FM-3277. The scene was cleared and traffic flowing by 2 pm.
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