18 Wheeler Broadsides Car, 5 Hospitalized, BIG THICKET LAKE ESTATES, October 7, 2012 - At approximately 8:30 pm on October 6, 2012, a blue 1995 Dodge Intrepid driven by James Ronald Arona, 19, of Livingston, was south-bound on US-146. Arona slowed down and attempted a left turn onto Painters Drive. The problem was, there was an 18 wheeler tanker truck in the next lane (also south-bound) and trying to pass Orona. The 18 Wheeler, driven by Gerald Norman Cabagua, 56, of League City broad sided Orona's vehicle on the driver's side. The collision sent Orona's vehicle into the grass on the left hand side of 146, and Cabagua's rig also into the grass on the same side. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with the North Liberty County Fire Department, South Polk County Fire Department, Troopers from Liberty County, Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and Local Troopers Allen Stanton and Kevin Burman. Orona's vehicle was occupied by Orona, another Adult, a juvenile, and 2 infants. All five were taken to Livingston Memorial Hospital by ambulance with undisclosed injuries. Traffic was blocked for most of the time for investigation and cleanup. According to Trooper Stanton, a pending investigation will determine whose at fault in this accident. A rollback wrecker from Ken's Towing recovered Orona's vehicle and it will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston while Cabagua's jack knifed 18 wheeler was recovered by Riley Wrecker Service out of Corrigan. The scene was cleared shortly after midnight.
Special thank you: Ken fromKen's Towingand Chris Moehlman
19 year old Ronald Orona was driving this 1995 Dodge Intrepid. Orona had 4 passengers all 5 vehicle occupants were hospitalized. Trooper Allen Stanton (pictured at right) is the investigating officer.
This 18 wheeler was driven by 56 year old Gerald Cabagua of League City.
Livingston Fire Chief Corky Cochran assisted emergency personnel at the scene.
The 18 wheeler was severely jack knifed.
A fire truck from North Liberty County VFD.
Orano's vehicle was recovered by Ken's Towing.
Houdini assisted Ken's Towing with vehicle recovery.
Riley Heay Duty Wrecker Service recovered the 18 wheeler.
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