18 Wheeler Slams Pickup, GOODRICH, August 23, 2014 - At around 12:40 am on August 23, 2014, a tan 1997 Chevy 1500 pickup driven by Billy Munson, 37, of Livingston, attempted to crossover from the south-bound lanes of 59 at Queens Row Road to the north-bound lanes. Munson pulled into the north-bound lanes but failed to yield to a black oncoming 18 wheeler driven by Dirk Waringa, 51, of Ontario, Canada. The 18 wheeler slammed the pickup knocking it into the median while the rig slid off the pavement to the right. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Sergeant David Ramsey and Deputy Edward Thomas (both with the Polk County Sheriff's Office) and Troopers Ashley McBride and Donny Akers with the Texas Highway Patrol. Munson was treated at the scene and driven by ambulance to Livingston Memorial Hospital with a broken arm and other injuries. A medical helicopter flew Munson from Livingston Memorial to Hermann Hospital in Houston with serious injuries. Dirk Waringa was physically okay. Traffic on the north-bound side of 59 was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. No citations have been issued as the accident remains under investigation. A rollback wrecker from Ken's Towing recovered Munson's Vehicle and it will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston while the disabled 18 wheeler was recovered by Riley Wrecker Service and will be stored in Corrigan.
Dirk Waringa's 18 wheeler impacted the pickup causing heavy damage to the front end.
37 year old Billy Munson, of Livingston, was transported to ambulance to Livingston Memorial Hospital. He was flown by medical helicopter from there to Houston.
Trooper Ashley McBride investigated the accident.
Munson's vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing.
Houdini assisted with towing duties.
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