Two Vehicle Accident, Both Drivers Hospitalized, LIVINGSTON, October 30, 2011 - At approximately 9:30 am on October 30, 2011, Joe Lynn Burnett, 61, of Livingston, was driving his 1990 Dodge Dakota south-bound on US-146. Burnett slowed down to turn into his driveway and was slammed from behind by a tan 1999 Chevy Blazer driven by Twila Purse, 58, also of Livingston. The collision sent Burnett's vehicle off the road to the right and into the grass while Purse's vehicle left the road to the left and turned onto its side. Purse's vehicle caught fire with her trapped inside. The Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Heavy Rescue Unit was dispatched along with Americare Ambulance Service and a handful of Troopers including Trooper Ramey Bass with the Texas Highway Patrol. Firemen were able to get Purse out of her vehicle and extinguish the fire very quickly. Twila Purse and Joe Burnett were transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital by Ambulance. Traffic on both sides of 146 was blocked during investigation and cleanup. According to Trooper Ramey Bass, Purse will be cited for failure to control speed. The extent of Purse's and Burnett's injuries are not known at this time to PolkCountyToday.com. A rollback wrecker from Ken's Towing recovered Purse's vehicle and it will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston while Burnett's vehicle was recovered by a rollback from LakeView Towing and it will be stored in Livingston. The scene was cleared by 10:30 am.
Emergency personnel tend to Twila Purse, who was wrapped in blankets due to cold weather.
DPS Troopers Darwon Evans (left) and Kevin Burman investigate the wreckage.
A rollback wrecker from Lakeview recovered Burnett's Dodge Dakota.
Ken's towing Recovered Purses Chevy Blazer.
Even on cold mornings, Houdini is on the job.
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