18 Wheeler Crashes on US-59, LEGGETT, November 2, 2010 - At approximately 6 am on November 2, 2010, a white 2007 International tractor/trailer carrying a load of Black & Decker tools for Wal-Mart and being driven by Joseph John, 38, of Lafayette, LA, was south-bound on US-59 in Leggett when his rig hit a slick spot. John lost control of his truck and crossed over into the north-bound lanes, over the shoulder, and into a fence taking out a large section of fence and slamming into a utility pole causing his rig to jack knife. Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to the scene along with DPS Troopers David Morris and Rocky Thigpen. Fortunately John wasn't injured in the accident. John did have insurance. A heavy duty wrecker from Riley Wrecker Service out of Corrigan was summoned to recover the tractor/trailer. Traffic on the north-bound side of 59 was blocked during recovery operations. No citations were issued. The scene was cleared before 1 pm.
The rig was south-bound and slid out of control crashing into a utility pole on the north-bound side of US-59 and jack knifing.
Trooper Rocky Thigpen with the Texas Highway Patrol.
Driver Joseph John of Lafayette La bemoans his situation.
The truck knocked the county owned trailer about 40 ft. from it's original location (by the fence).
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