UPDATE ON FATAL CRASH:The accident victim names from Thursday night's fatal crash have been released. At approximately 8:51 pm on October 3, 2024, a gray 2010 Nissan Altima driven by Maria Fernandez, 74, of Lufkin, was west-bound on US-190 East, with her passenger, Ana Salaiz, 68, of Diboll. Fernandez's vehicle was suddenly slammed head on by an east-bound dark gray 2016 Ford Explorer, driven by Tomoma McGowen, 57, of Livingston. McGowen crossed into the west-bound lane causing the head on crash. Fernandez passed away shortly after being loaded into an ambulance. Salaiz and McGowen were both flown from the scene with serious injuries. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol.
ORIGINAL STORY BELOW
Head On Collision, 1 Deceased, 2 Flown, BEECH CREEK, October 3, 2024 - At approximately 8:51 pm on October 3, 2024, the driver of a gray 2010 Nissan Altima was west-bound on US-190 East (just west of Beech Creek Road). A head on collision occurred when the driver of a dark gray 2016 Ford Explorer that was east-bound entered the west-bound lane causing a head on collision. The Ford came to rest on the pavement while the Nissan slid off the pavement on the east-bound side of 190. Allegiance Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office, and Trooper Nick Hatton with the Texas Highway Patrol. Firemen used the Jaws-of-Life to remove both drivers and a passenger in the Nissan from their vehicles. Sadly, the driver of the Nissan passed away in the ambulance at the scene. Justice of the Peace, Sarah Rasberry filed an inquest at the scene. The passenger in the Nissan and the driver of the Ford were both transported to a nearby landing zone and flown out. All traffic on 190 was blocked during investigation and cleanup. The names of the accident victims have not yet been released. The Ford also had a large dog inside and the dog was physically okay. The driver of the Ford is likely facing a citation in this accident. This accident remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol. The Ford was recovered by Ken's Towing out of Livingston, while the Nissan was recovered by Pop's Wrecker Service out of Livingston. We'll update this story as soon as we're able to ascertain more information.
WARNING: The images and video below show scenes from a fatal 2 vehicle accident. No blood is visible. If pictures of this nature offend you in any way, DO NOT scroll down this page.
The driver of the Ford had a dog in the vehicle. The dog was protective and making it difficult for EMS personnel to help.
Fireman Brian Jones was able to attentively remove the frightened dog from the vehicle and calm the dog.
Justice of the Peace, Sarah Rasberry filed an inquest at the scene.
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