Two Hospitalized When Car Hits 18 Wheeler, LEGGETT, November 11, 2008 - A driver and his passenger were hospitalized Tuesday afternoon when their car slammed into the trailer of an 18 Wheeler in Leggett. At approximately 3:15 pm on November 11, 2008, a white 18 Wheeler driven by Lonnie Will Burrell, 55, of Alvin, was east-bound on FM-942 and attempted a left turn onto US-59 South Bound failing to yield right-of-way to a green late model Dodge Stratus driven by Othaniel Garza, 34, of Lufkin, that was north-bound on US-59. Garza's vehicle slammed into the back half of Burrell's trailer. The collision demolished the front half of Garza's vehicle, while the 18 wheeler sustained minimal damage. Garza was trapped in his car, unable to get out. Livingston Volunteer Fire Department led by Chief Corky Cochran and Assistant Chief John Haynes was dispatched to the scene and the jaws of life were utilized to successfully extract Garza from his vehicle. Both Garza and his passenger were transported to Livingston Memorial Hospital via Americare Ambulance Service.
Volunteer Firemen from Livingston work to free Garza from his vehicle.
DPS Troopers Kevin Burman, Darwon Evans, and Chris Stanbery were dispatched to the scene. Additionally, Sergeant Perry Alexander and Deputies Terri Mayer and Glen Edwards were dispatched to the scene to assist. Both lanes of 59 North were blocked as the accident was being cleared and investigated. Burrell was physically okay. Both drivers had insurance. Burrell was issued a citation for failure to yield right-of-way at a stop sign. A rollback wrecker from Harwood Wrecker Service arrived to tow Garza's vehicle from the scene and the vehicle will be stored at Harwood Wrecker Service in Livingston. The scene was cleared and traffic fully flowing shortly before 4:30 pm.
WARNING: Some of the images below are mildly graphic and contain a small amount of blood.
Otaniel Garza is tended to by emergency responders.
DPS Trooper Kevin Burman checks on Garza's passenger.
Livingston Fire Chief Corky Cochran with Assitant Chief John Haynes.
Truck driver Lonnie Burrell mulls over the accident in which he was cited to be at fault.
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